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Harte, Bret, 1836-1902

"The Story of a Mine"

He determined to bide his
time, and withdrew.
The door was scarcely closed upon him when another knock diverted Mr.
Gashwiler's attention from his proofs. The door opened to a young man
with sandy hair and anxious face. He entered the room deprecatingly, as
if conscious of the presence of a powerful being, to be supplicated and
feared. Mr. Gashwiler did not attempt to disabuse his mind. "Busy, you
see," he said shortly, "correcting your work!"
"I hope it is acceptable?" said the young man timidly.
"Well--yes--it will do," said Gashwiler; "indeed I may say it is
satisfactory on the whole," he added with the appearance of a large
generosity; "quite satisfactory."
"You have no news, I suppose," continued the young man, with a slight
flush, born of pride or expectation.
"No, nothing as yet." Mr. Gashwiler paused as if a thought had struck
him.
"I have thought," he said, finally, "that some position--such as a
secretaryship with me--would help you to a better appointment. Now,
supposing that I make you my private secretary, giving you some
important and confidential business.


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