"No, not ashamed, mother; but I thought it was not business-like, and
seemed too much like a schoolboy."

"I think it was very business-like. It would convey the idea that you
would seek to do your business from the best and highest motives. But
what did Mr. Compton say?"

"He only said he thought the handwriting was good. Then he told me that
he would take me as his clerk, and should expect me to be at my post
next Monday morning, at nine o'clock. 'And now,' he said, 'we must fix
upon a salary; and as your uncle has told me that you are anxious to
maintain yourself, I will give you a weekly sum sufficient for that
purpose; and if you give me satisfaction, I will raise it yearly.' And
what do you think he offered me, mother?"

"I really do not know; perhaps, as you are young, and have never been in
a situation before, he said five shillings a week, although I did not
think you would get any salary at all for the first six months."

"No, mother, more than five shillings; guess again," said George, his
face shining with excited delight.

"Then I will guess seven and sixpence a week," said his mother,
doubtfully, for she thought she had gone too high.

"More than that, mother; guess only once more, for I cannot keep it in
if you are not very quick."

"Then I shall say ten shillings a week, George; but I am afraid I have