shining tables and rows of clerks, such as I was used
to, and I dare say I stared rather straight at the two
deal chairs and one little table, which, with a ledger
and a waste paper basket, made up the whole furniture.

"'Don't be disheartened, Mr. Pycroft,' said my new
acquaintance, seeing the length of my face. 'Rome was
not built in a day, and we have lots of money at our
backs, though we don't cut much dash yet in offices.
Pray sit down, and let me have your letter.'

"I gave it to him, and he read it over very carefully.

"'You seem to have made a vast impression upon my
brother Arthur,' said he; 'and I know that he is a
pretty shrewd judge. He swears by London, you know;
and I by Birmingham; but this time I shall follow his
advice. Pray consider yourself definitely engaged."

"'What are my duties?' I asked.

"'You will eventually manage the great depot in Paris,
which will pour a flood of English crockery into the
shops of a hundred and thirty-four agents in France.
The purchase will be completed in a week, and
meanwhile you will remain in Birmingham and make
yourself useful.'

"'How?'