"And now tell me, David, do you come to us on business or do you come to us on pleasure ?" I had no alternative but to produce my instructions, and to announce the contemplated invasion of the office by a select army of female clerks.
The effect produced by the disclosure was highly characteristic of the widely different temperaments of the two partners.
Mild Mr.Engelman laid down his pipe, and looked at Mr.Keller in helpless silence.
Irritable Mr.Keller struck his fist on the table, and appealed to Mr.
Engelman with fury in his looks.
"What did I tell you," he asked, "when we first heard that Mr.Wagner's widow was appointed head-partner in the business?
How many opinions of philosophers on the moral and physical incapacities of women did I quote?
Did I, or did I not, begin with the ancient Egyptians, and end with Doctor Bernastrokius, our neighbor in the next street ?" Poor Mr.Engelman looked frightened.
"Don't be angry, my dear friend," he said softly.
"Angry ?" repeated Mr.Keller, more furiously than ever.

"My good Engelman, you never were more absurdly mistaken in your life! I am delighted.

Exactly what I expected, exactly what I predicted, has come to pass.

Put down your pipe! I can bear a great deal--but tobacco smoke is beyond me at such a crisis as this.

And do for once overcome your constitutional indolence.