"Come, Mr. Fox, you are forgetting yourself. You have been a useful
employe" in my store. If you feel that you should have more salary,
name what will satisfy you, and I will consult my partners, and try
and arrange it."--"There," thought he, "if he can't take that hint as
to his place, I shall have to give him a kick." But both surprise and
anger began to get the better of him when Mr. Fox replied:

"I must really beg your closer attention; I said nothing of increased
salary. You will soon see that is no object with me now. I asked your
permission to pay my addresses to your daughter."

"I decline to give it," said Mr. Allen, harshly, "and if I hear any
more of this nonsense I will discharge you from my employ."

"Why?" was the quiet response, yet spoken with the intensity of
passion.

"Because I never would permit my daughter to marry a man in your
circumstances, and, if you will have it, you are not the style of a
man I would wish to take into my family."

"If a man who was worth a million asked for your daughter's hand would
you answer him in this manner?"

"Perhaps not," said Mr. Allen, with another of his short, dry laughs,
which expressed little save irritation, "but you have my answer as
respects yourself."

"I am not so sure of that," was the bold retort. "I am practically