Reconciliation
175
"Sit down, Jim," he said. The tone was not harsh, but lacked cordiality.
Jim sat down.
"How are you, sir?"
"Pretty bad. I don't seem to find any relief."
Once Jim had wickedly suggested that he take his own rheumatism cure; but the remark had led to all their trouble, so he twirled his hat and answered perfunctorily:
"I'm sorry, sir."
Such mildness of demeanor ought to have placated the father. But Everton was eyeing his son suspiciously.
"They tell me you're working. A lawyer's clerk."
"I'm Mr. Jarrod's private secretary, sir."
"Huh! Good job for a college man, is n't it? Nice investment I made when I sent you to Cornell."
Jim wondered what he would say if he knew he had until recently been a dry-goods clerk.
