It's just as well you gave up studying medicine and took to business, Feist, for you haven't got what they call a pleasant bedside manner.' Mr.Feist had once been a medical student, but had given up the profession on inheriting a sum of money with which he at once began to speculate.

After various vicissitudes he had become Mr.Bamberger's private secretary, and had held that position some time in spite of his one failing, because he had certain qualities which made him invaluable to his employer until his nerves began to give away.

One of those qualities was undoubtedly his power of holding his tongue even when under the influence of drink; another was his really extraordinary memory for details, and especially for letters he had written under dictation, and for conversations he had heard.

He was skilful, too, in many ways when in full possession of his faculties; but though Isidore Bamberger used him, he despised him profoundly, as he despised every man who preferred present indulgence to future profit.
Feist lit a cigarette and blew a vast cloud of smoke round him, but made no answer to his employer's last observation.
'Now this is what I want you to do,' said the latter.

'Go to this Count Leven and tell him it's a cash transaction or nothing, and that he runs no risk.