In this way, I improved my experience of the details of our business, and I made some small return for the hospitable welcome which I had received from the two partners.
Half an hour or more had passed, when some papers arrived from the bank, which required the signature of the firm.

Mr.Engelman being still absent, the head-clerk, at my suggestion, proceeded to the dining-room with the papers in his charge.
He came back again immediately, looking very much alarmed.
"Pray go into the dining-room!" he said to me.

"I am afraid something is seriously wrong with Mr.Engelman.
"Do you mean that he is ill ?" I asked.
"I can hardly say.

His arms are stretched out on the table, and his face is hidden on them.

He paid no attention to me.