I was thinking all the time there'd be an explanation of it.

So I'll be bidding you good-night." "Sit you down again a minute," said he, pointing to the easy-chair.

"No need for hurry.

You're a clerk to Mr.Lindsey, the solicitor ?" "I am that," I answered.
"Are you articled to him ?" he asked.
"No," said I."I'm an ordinary clerk--of seven years' standing." "Plenty of experience of office work and routine ?" he inquired.
"Aye!" I replied.

"No end of that, Sir Gilbert!" "Are you good at figures and accounts ?" he asked.
"I've kept all Mr.Lindsey's--and a good many trust accounts--for the last five years," I answered, wondering what all this was about.
"In fact, you're thoroughly well up in all clerical matters ?" he suggested.