Indeed, his
popularity with the patrons of the house was doing Mr. Books no good,
especially as it entailed the necessity of his taking so great a number
of drinks during the day that he would offer to bet the reputation of
the firm that he was the tallest man in the establishment, and a politer
man than Gusher. So good an opinion had Mr. Books of himself when under
these little delusions, occasioned accidentally, as he would say, that
it became a serious question with him whether his proud position was due
to Topman and Gusher or his own great merits. In fine, it had more than
once occurred to him that the firm was indebted to his personal
popularity for its great reputation.
Mr. Gusher consulted Mr. Books, and entrusted him with the little
woman's money. Then he proceeded to Mr. Foblin's desk, that gentleman
turning over the pages of his big ledger preparatory to making an entry.
"What name did you say? I have the amount," enquired that gentleman,
looking up earnestly over his spectacles.
"If you please, madam," said he, approaching the little woman with a
bow, "you shall have no objection to give me your name.
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