Castleford was the best
thing that could befall him. Mr. Castleford on his side told my
father that he was sure that the boy was good-hearted all the time,
and thoroughly repentant; but this had the less effect because
plausibility, as my father called it, was one of the qualities that
specially annoyed him in Clarence, and made him fear that his friend
might be taken in. However, the matter was discussed between the
elders, and it was determined that this most friendly offer should
be accepted experimentally. It was impressed on Clarence, with
unnecessary care, that the line of life was inferior; but that it
was his only chance of regaining anything like a position, and that
everything depended on his industry and integrity.
'Integrity!' commented Clarence, with a burning spot on his cheek
after one of these lectures; 'I believe they think me capable of
robbing the office!'
We found out, too, that the senior partner, Mr. Frith, a very crusty
old bachelor, did not like the appointment, and that it was made
quite against his will. 'You'll be getting your clerks next from
Newgate!' was what some amiable friend reported him to have said.
However, Mr. Castleford had his way, and Clarence was to begin his
work with the New Year, being in the meantime cautioned and lectured
on the crime and danger of his evil propensities more than he could
well bear.
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