"
The conscience-stricken junior lost his presence of mind. "Who's trying
to taunt you?" he demanded, hotly. "Why, you'd do more harm than good."
"Put a bandage round the head instead of the heart, I expect," assented
the chuckling Swann. "Top shelf, I think you said; well, I climbed there
for safety."
"You must have been much run after," said his partner.
"I was," said the other. "I suppose that's why it is I am always so
interested in these affairs. I have helped to marry so many people in
this place, that I'm almost afraid to stir out after dark."
Hardy's reply was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Edward Silk, a young
man of forlorn aspect, who combined in his person the offices of
messenger, cleaner, and office-boy to the firm. He brought in some
letters, and placing them on Mr. Swann's desk retired.
"There's another," said the latter, as the door closed. "His complaint
is Amelia Kybird, and he's got it badly. She's big enough to eat him,
but I believe that they are engaged. Perseverance has done it in his
case. He used to go about like a blighted flower--"
"I am rather busy," his partner reminded him.
Mr. Swann sighed and resumed his own labours. For some time both men
wrote in silence. Then the elder suddenly put his pen down and hit his
desk a noisy thump with his fist.
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