I'll answer for his jumping at the idea." "Sound him on the subject, then." "I will." "I am glad," said the old merchant, "that you and I have had this conversation, Ezra.

The fact of my having speculated without your knowledge, and deceived you by a false ledger, has often weighed heavily upon my conscience, I assure you.

It is a relief to me to have told you all." "Drop the subject, then," Ezra said curtly.

"I must put up with it, for I have no redress.

The thing is done and nothing can undo it; but I consider that you have willfully wasted the money." "Believe me, I have tried to act for the best.