--"I have been going over my matters," pursued Livingstone, "and they
are in excellent shape--better this year than ever before--"

The clerk's face brightened.

"That's very good," said he, heartily. "I knew they were."

--"Yes, very good, indeed," said Livingstone condescendingly, pausing to
dwell for a second on the sight of the line of pallid figures which
suddenly flashed before his eyes. "And I have got everything straight
for you this year; and I want you to come up to my house this evening
and go over the books with me quietly, so that I can show you--"

"This evening?" The clerk's countenance fell and the words were as near
an exclamation as he ever indulged in.

"Yes--, this evening. I shall be at home this evening and to-morrow
evening--Why not this evening?" demanded Livingstone almost sharply.

"Why, only--that it's--. However,--" The speaker broke off. "I'll be
there, sir. About eight-thirty, I suppose?"

"Yes," said Livingstone, curtly.

He was miffed, offended, aggrieved. He had intended to do a kind thing
by this man, and he had met with a rebuff.

"I expect to pay you," he said, coldly.

The next second he knew he had made an error. A shocked expression came