The merchant came to meet him with a serious aspect; and, after having expressed his sympathy, invited him to sit down, and quietly to discuss his future prospects.
Fink replied with the utmost courtesy: "My father's views for me--based on your estimate--agree so well with my own wishes, that I must express my gratitude to you.

Your opinion of me has been more favorable than I could have ventured to expect.

If, however, you have really been satisfied with me, I should rejoice to hear it from your own lips." "I have not been entirely satisfied, Herr von Fink," replied the merchant, with some reserve; "you were not in your proper place here.
But that has not prevented my discerning that for other and more active pursuits you were eminently well fitted.

You have, in a high degree, the faculty of governing and arranging, and you possess uncommon energy of will.

A desk in a counting-house is not the place for such a nature." Fink bowed.