Greatly to my surprise, the partner did not seem to notice the lamentable lameness of my excuses, and did not additionally confuse me by asking any questions.

A weary, absent look, which I had observed on his face when I came in, remained on it while I was speaking.

It seemed to be an effort to him even to keep up the appearance of listening to me; and when, at last, I fairly broke down in the middle of a sentence, and gave up the hope of getting any further, all the answer he gave me was comprised in these few civil commonplace words: "Never mind, Mr.Trowbridge; pray don't think of apologizing.

We are all liable to make mistakes.

Say nothing more about it, and bring the money back on Monday if you still honor us with your confidence." He looked down at his papers as if he was anxious to be alone again, and I had no alternative, of course, but to take my leave immediately.
I went home, feeling a little easier in my mind now that I had paved the way for making the best practical atonement in my power by bringing my balance back the first thing on Monday morning.