Gray"--said Hartley,
and there stopped, like one who finds himself entering upon a difficult
task.
"I hope the explanation has been satisfactory?" said Middlemas.
"You shall judge.--Doctor Gray was pleased to say something to me very
civil about my proficiency in the duties of our profession; and, to my
great astonishment, asked me, whether, as he was now becoming old, I had
any particular objection to continue in my present situation, but with
some pecuniary advantages, for two years longer; at the end of which he
promised to me that I should enter into partnership with him."
"Mr. Gray is an undoubted judge," said Middlemas, "what person will best
suit him as a professional assistant. The business may be worth L200
a-year, and an active assistant might go nigh to double it, by riding
Strath-Devan and the Carse. No great subject for division after all, Mr.
Hartley."
"But," continued Hartley, "that is not all. The Doctor says--he
proposes--in short, if I can render myself agreeable, in the course of
these two years, to Miss Menie Gray, he proposes, that when they
terminate, I should become his son as well as his partner."
As he spoke, he kept his eye fixed on Richard's face, which was for a
moment, strongly agitated; but instantly recovering, he answered, in a
tone where pique and offended pride vainly endeavoured to disguise
themselves under an affectation of indifference.
Pages:
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107