but work was dry after the subject they had been discussing. He looked
over at his partner and, seeing that that gentleman was gravely busy,
reopened the matter with a jeer.

"Old maids always know most about rearing children," he remarked; "so I
suppose old bachelors, looking down on life from the top shelf, think
they know most about marriage."

"I wash my hands of you," repeated the senior, placidly. "I am not to be
taunted into rendering first aid to the wounded."

The conscience-stricken junior lost his presence of mind. "Who's trying
to taunt you?" he demanded, hotly. "Why, you'd do more harm than good."

"Put a bandage round the head instead of the heart, I expect," assented
the chuckling Swann. "Top shelf, I think you said; well, I climbed there
for safety."

"You must have been much run after," said his partner.

"I was," said the other. "I suppose that's why it is I am always so
interested in these affairs. I have helped to marry so many people in
this place, that I'm almost afraid to stir out after dark."

Hardy's reply was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Edward Silk, a young
man of forlorn aspect, who combined in his person the offices of
messenger, cleaner, and office-boy to the firm. He brought in some
letters, and placing them on Mr. Swann's desk retired.

"There's another," said the latter, as the door closed. "His complaint