the place." 

"Good! I am heartily glad of it," said I. "I always 
felt that you were not in the position that you ought to 
have. You will accept, of course." 

"Whether I accept or not depends on you," he replied. 

"I cannot understand," said I. 

"In short, then," said he, "the responsibility is a heavy 
one, and I cannot undertake it without a partner whom I 
can trust as myself  I mean," he added, "whom I can 
trust more than myself." 

"You are a thousand times too good," said I. "I 
should like nothing better than such a partnership, but I 
feel oppressed by your good opinion. Are you sure that 
I am the one for you 1 " 

"I think I am," said he, "and it is a case where I am 
the best judge; and it offers to you just what you wordnetdesire  
a stable position, independence to express yourself, and 
a good income. Hestermann & Co. are rich, and wise 
enough to know that liberality is the best policy." 



A NEW OPENING 321 

"But," said I, "their offers are made to you, and not 
to me.