To this Mr. Roundjacket assented, and they returned, laughing, to the
office.

Verty looked over his shoulder, and admired himself with all the
innocence of a child or a savage. One thing only was disagreeable to
him--the high heels which Mr. O'Brallaghan had supplied him with.
Accustomed to his moccasins, the heels were not to be endured; and
Verty kicked both of them off against the stone steps with great
composure. Having accomplished this feat, he re-entered.

"I'm easier now," he said.

"About what?"

"The heels."

Mr. Roundjacket looked down.

"I could'nt walk on 'em, and knocked 'em off," Verty said.

Mr. Roundjacket uttered a suppressed chuckle; then stopping suddenly,
observed with dignity:--

"Young man, that was very wrong in you. Mr. Rushton has made you a
present of that costume, and you should not injure it; he will be
displeased, sir."

"I will be nothing of the sort," said a growling voice; and turning
round, the clerk found himself opposite to Mr. Rushton, who was
looking at Verty with a grim smile.