From Wealth to Poverty by Austin Potter
page 48 of 295 (16%)
page 48 of 295 (16%)
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"That is the name of the person in question," Mr. Gurney remarked.
"Show him in, Sarah;" and in a moment after Ashton was ushered into their presence. "Mr. Gurney, I presume," he said, with that ease and grace that good breeding and familiarity with good society alone gives to a man. "I sent you a telegram," Ashton continued, "making application for the situation, in answer to your advertisement; and I have now come in person, as I stated I would." Mr. Gurney, who had risen, extended to him his hand--then introduced him to his wife, and in a few moments, by his cordial reception, made him completely at his ease. His appearance, and, still more, his manner, impressed Mr. and Mrs. Gurney favorably, and they both concluded he was a very intelligent person. He produced his credentials, which were highly satisfactory; but Mr. and Mrs. Gurney were too keen observers not to notice the marks of dissipation which his two weeks' debauch had stamped upon his face. The former, however, possessed too much of the courtesy which distinguishes the true gentleman to give utterance to a word which would wound even the most sensitive person, if he could do his duty and avoid it. Though, if it lay in the way of his duty, he immediately entered into its performance, but in the least offensive manner possible. |
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