"Well, my boy, you may disagree as much as you like,
but if you are going to work with me you must throw
etiquette to the devil!"
"I can't do that."
"Well, if you are too clean handed for the job you
can clear out. We can't keep you here against your
will."
I said nothing; but when we got back, I went upstairs
and packed up my trunk, with every intention of going
back to Yorkshire by the night train. He came up to my
room, and finding what I was at, he burst into apologies
which would have satisfied a more exacting man than I am.
"You shall do just exactly what you like, my dear
chap. If you don't like my way, you may try some way of
your own."
"That's fair enough," said I. "But it's a little
trying to a man's self-respect if he is told to clear out
every time there is a difference of opinion."
"Well, well, there was no harm meant, and it shan't
occur again. I can't possibly say more than that; so
come along down and have a cup of tea."
And so the matter blew over; but I very much fear,
Bertie, that this is the first row of a series. I have
a presentiment that sooner or later my position here will
become untenable. Still, I shall give it a fair
trial as long as he will let me. Cullingworth is a
fellow who likes to have nothing but inferiors and
dependants round him. Now, I like to stand on my own
legs, and think with my own mind. If he'll let me do
this we'll get along very well; but if I know the man he
will claim submission, which is more than I am inclined
to give.
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