“No; I have no fear of that.  It is only the pain of parting from which I shrink.  As we grow older we cling with the greater tenacity, and, perhaps, selfishness, to the enjoyments that are left.  But this will never do.  I must think more of you, and less of myself.  I have some questions to ask, and something besides to say before you leave for Hillsdale, and this is as good an opportunity, probably, as we shall have, so take a seat by me, and we will enter upon business.”

Pownal, who hitherto had remained standing, now took a seat by the side of his benefactor, and waited for him to continue the conversation.

“Are you satisfied,” inquired Mr. Pownal, “with your situation at Hillsdale?”

“Perfectly,” replied the young man.  “My time has passed very happily there.”

“I meant it,” continued Mr. Pownal, “only as an interlude.  I sent you thither for the purpose of making you better acquainted with the branches of our business, intending to leave it to your choice either to remain or return to the city, and resume your place in the counting-house.  I confess, the latter would suit me better, because you would be nearer to me; but consult your inclinations, and I shall be satisfied.”

“My dear sir,” said Pownal, with some little hesitation, “you are always kind, and since you leave it to my choice, I hope it will not offend you if I say, that for the present I should prefer to remain at Hillsdale.”

“It is not at all surprising that you should wish to be with your father, whom, in so wonderful a manner, you have discovered,” answered Mr. Pownal.  “I am delighted with him, and his noble qualities must be restored to the world.  We must find means to induce him to conquer his repugnance to society and its habits.”

“I hope for such a result,” said the young man, “but he is evidently now uneasy and pining for solitude.”

“‘Time and I against any two,’ says the Spanish proverb.  I’ll be bound we will metamorphose him yet.  Do you think the business at Hillsdale is capable of much extension?”

“I am sure of it.  It may easily be doubled, and safely.  I will give you my reasons for the opinion now, if you wish.”

“Never mind for the present.  It after all can make no difference in what I am about to say.  I have been looking at your balance-sheet, and must say that, for a first year’s business, you have done remarkably well.  You have made very few bad debts, the sales are large, and profits satisfactory.  You have the merchant in you, Thomas, and I must try to secure you for us beyond the power of loss.  How would you like to become a member of the firm?”

“Sir,” said Pownal, “your goodness overpowers me.  No father could be more generous.  You will do with me as you please.  But what say your partners?”

“I have consulted with them, and they are of the same opinion as myself, and desire your admission.  I have drawn up the terms, which, I hope, will please you, on this slip of paper, and that you may start to a little better advantage, have directed a small sum to be carried to your credit on the books, which you will also find jotted down on the paper.”