Lupin is discharged. We are in great trouble. Lupin gets engagedelsewhere at a handsome salary.

　　May 13. - A terrible misfortune has happened: Lupin is dischargedfrom Mr. Perkupp's office; and I scarcely know how I am writing my diary.

　　I was away from office last Sat., the first time I have been absent throughillness for twenty years. I believe I was poisoned by some lobster. Mr.

　　Perkupp was also absent, as Fate would have it; and our most valuedcustomer, Mr. Crowbillon, went to the office in a rage, and withdrew hiscustom. My boy Lupin not only had the assurance to receive him, butrecommended him the firm of Gylterson, Sons and Co. Limited. In myown humble judgment, and though I have to say it against my own son,this seems an act of treachery.

　　This morning I receive a letter from Perkupp, informing me thatLupin's services are no longer required, and an interview with me isdesired at eleven o'clock. I went down to the office with an aching heart,dreading an interview with Mr. Perkupp, with whom I have never had aword. I saw nothing of Lupin in the morning. He had not got up whenit was time for me to leave, and Carrie said I should do no good bydisturbing him. My mind wandered so at the office that I could not domy work properly.

　　As I expected, I was sent for by Mr. Perkupp, and the followingconversation ensued as nearly as I can remember it.

　　Mr. Perkupp said: "Good-morning, Mr. Pooter! This is a veryserious business. I am not referring so much to the dismissal of your son,for I knew we should have to part sooner or later. I am the head of thisold, influential, and much-respected firm; and when I consider the timehas come to revolutionise the business, I will do it myself."I could see my good master was somewhat affected, and I said: "Ihope, sir, you do not imagine that I have in any way countenanced myson's unwarrantable interference?" Mr. Perkupp rose from his seat and took my hand, and said: "Mr. Pooter, I would as soon suspect myself assuspect you." I was so agitated that in the confusion, to show mygratitude I very nearly called him a "grand old man."Fortunately I checked myself in time, and said he was a "grand oldmaster." I was so unaccountable for my actions that I sat down, leavinghim standing. Of course, I at once rose, but Mr. Perkupp bade me sitdown, which I was very pleased to do. Mr. Perkupp, resuming, said:

　　"You will understand, Mr. Pooter, that the high- standing nature of ourfirm will not admit of our bending to anybody. If Mr. Crowbillonchooses to put his work into other hands - I may add, less experiencedhands - it is not for us to bend and beg back his custom." "You SHALLnot do it, sir," I said with indignation. "Exactly," replied Mr. Perkupp; "Ishall NOT do it. But I was thinking this, Mr. Pooter. Mr. Crowbillon isour most valued client, and I will even confess - for I know this will not gobeyond ourselves - that we cannot afford very well to lose him, especiallyin these times, which are not of the brightest. Now, I fancy you can be ofservice."I replied: "Mr. Perkupp, I will work day and night to serve you!"Mr. Perkupp said: "I know you will. Now, what I should like youto do is this. You yourself might write to Mr. Crowbillon - you must not,of course, lead him to suppose I know anything about your doing so - andexplain to him that your son was only taken on as a clerk - quite aninexperienced one in fact - out of the respect the firm had for you, Mr.

　　Pooter. This is, of course, a fact. I don't suggest that you should speakin too strong terms of your own son's conduct; but I may add, that had hebeen a son of mine, I should have condemned his interference with nomeasured terms. That I leave to you. I think the result will be that Mr.

　　Crowbillon will see the force of the foolish step he has taken, and our firmwill neither suffer in dignity nor in pocket."I could not help thinking what a noble gentleman Mr. Perkupp is. Hismanners and his way of speaking seem to almost thrill one with respect.

　　I said: "Would you like to see the letter before I send it?"Mr. Perkupp said: "Oh no! I had better not. I am supposed toknow nothing about it, and I have every confidence in you. You must write the letter carefully. We are not very busy; you had better take themorning to-morrow, or the whole day if you like. I shall be here myselfall day to-morrow, in fact all the week, in case Mr. Crowbillon shouldcall."I went home a little more cheerful, but I left word with Sarah that Icould not see either Gowing or Cummings, nor in fact anybody, if theycalled in the evening. Lupin came into the parlour for a moment with anew hat on, and asked my opinion of it. I said I was not in the mood tojudge of hats, and I did not think he was in a position to buy a new one.

　　Lupin replied carelessly: "I didn't buy it; it was a present."I have such terrible suspicions of Lupin now that I scarcely like to askhim questions, as I dread the answers so. He, however, saved me thetrouble.

　　He said: "I met a friend, an old friend, that I did not quite think afriend at the time; but it's all right. As he wisely said, 'all is fair in loveand war,' and there was no reason why we should not be friends still.

　　He's a jolly, good, all-ro............