The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 17: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

8 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. The speaker drew from his side pocket a huge leather case, took from it several papers, and handed them to Small. He was about to resume his usual position at the desk, when the latter personage suddenly recollected that there was another affair to regulate at Salford. He was sorry, very sorry to give Mr. Lawrence the trouble of returning. He had forgotten It in the hurry of business when he had first sent him out, but the errand was important. This time the smile of three junior Smalls amounted to a grin. “‘T am ready, sir,” said the young man, with a look of resignation. “Take my place,” said Gridley, jumping off his stool; “ Pll go.” ‘¢ You have not finished the invoices.” ‘¢ Richard can finish them as well as I can,’’ observed the old clerk, doggedly. “© But I insist.” ‘Would you murder him?” whispered Gridley. ‘“Look at him, wan, pale, and suffering! It is nota day to send a dog into the streets, unless,” he said, “a worthless dog like me! Come Mr. Small,” he added, ‘“ you are a father yourself—show some consideration.” “ Business is business,” said the Junior partner, coolly. “It is not my fault if my clerk chooses to fall into a consumption. The affairs of the firm ought not to suffer.” - Tam quite ready, sir,” exclaimed Richard, eagerly, COniiclooecl SS (SO