"You were at the ball-game yesterday?" he said.

The unexpectedness of the question startled John into a sharp laugh.

"Yes," he said, recovering himself.

"Without leave."

"It didn't seem worth while asking for leave."

"You mean that you relied so implicitly on our relationship to save you
from the consequences?"

"No, I meant--"

"Well, we need not try and discover what you may have meant. What claim
do you put forward for special consideration? Why should I treat you
differently from any other member of the staff?"

John had a feeling that the interview was being taken at too rapid a
pace. He felt confused.

"I don't want you to treat me differently," he said.

Mr. Westley did not reply. John saw that he had taken a check-book from
its pigeonhole.

"I think we understand each other," said Mr. Westley. "There is no need
for any discussion. I am writing you a check for ten thousand