1^2 ANGEL PAVEMENT

economies as these could stop the rot. He had seen it
coming for months. The firm, his position, his very
living, they were all crumbling away together. The next
thing would be that he would have to accept a cut in
his salary. And the next thing after that would be find-
ing himself outside, in Angel Pavement, with a hat on
his head and no salary, no office, nothing. He hesitated,
stammering something, rather painfully.

"I didn't want to spring it on you," said Mr. Dersing-
ham, "and I suppose you'd really like a day or two to
think it over."

"Wouldn't think a minute if I was you/' said Mr.
Goath. "Get rid of the girl, right away, without 'esita-
tion. They never should have started girls in the City,
The place has never been right since. Powderin' noses!
Cups o' tea! You don't know where y'are."

"I would like to think it over, Mr. Dersingham/' Mr.
Smeeth told him slowly. "I don't want to get rid of
the wrong one."

"I'd like to get it settled to-day while we're at it, but
you think it over between now and five o'clock, and
then we'll have another talk about it. All right then/'
And Mr. Dersingham examined his notes again, and
then looked very severe. "The next thing is this ques-
tion of what-d'you-call-it~these rotters who won't pay
up. You've made out a statement, have you?'1

But there was a knock at the door, and Stanley sidled
in, a card in his hand, "Somebody wants to see you,
sir/'

"I'm busy. Who is it? Shut the door." He examined
the card. "Never heard of this chap. Look at this,
Goath. Anybody you know? What does he want?"

"Wanted to speak to you, sir," replied Stanley, look-