"So you've got Figgis's place for the future. See?"
At that moment you might have knocked me down with a feather; it was so
absolutely unexpected. Give me time, and I think I can provide a few
well-chosen words suitable to the occasion as well as any man. But now
I could think of nothing to say but "Thank you."
He went on to explain that this would mean an immediate rise of £75,
and a prospective rise of a further £75 at the end of a year if my work
was satisfactory. He said that I had not Figgis's abilities, of course,
but that a very close eye had been kept on me lately, and I had shown
myself to be honest, methodical, and careful in details. It was also
believed that I should realize the importance of a responsible and
confidential position, and that I should keep the men under me up to
the mark.
The rest of our conversation was concerned with my new duties, and at
the close of it he handed me Figgis's keys--my own name and the office
address had been already put on the label.
I should not be fair to myself if I did not make some reference to Mr.
Bagshaw's comparison of Figgis's abilities and my own. I will merely
state the fact that on more than one occasion Figgis has gained success
or avoided failure from suggestions made to him by myself. That he did
not give me the credit for this with the firm is precisely what I
should have expected from a man of that character. However, I have my
opportunity now, and the firm will see.
* * * * *
When I returned to the clerks' office I found one of the juniors
playing the fool.
"I wish you'd stop that, please," I said, "and get on with your work."
"Who gave you the right to give orders here?" he asked me, rudely.
Fortunately, that was what I had expected he would say, and therefore I
had my answer ready:
"Mr. Bagshaw did, three minutes ago, when he made me head of this
department in place of Mr. Figgis."
And without another word I went calmly to Mr. Figgis's desk and
unlocked it. The effect was remarkable, and gave me great pleasure.
During the luncheon hour I received several congratulations, and was
pressed to partake of liquor. But I had long ago made up my mind that
if the firm ever did place me in a good and responsible position, I
would give up alcohol during business hours altogether. I carried out
that resolution, and shall continue to do so; Figgis, with all his
so-called abilities, was frequently drowsy in the afternoon. Apart from
that, I hope I was not wanting in geniality. I snatched a few moments
to telegraph to Eliza: "Meet train to-night. Very good news for you."
On my way to the station I purchased a small bottle of champagne,--it
cost half a crown, but the price for this wine is always pretty stiff.
I also took back with me in my bag a tinned tongue and some pears.
Eliza was waiting for me, and was obviously excited. She had guessed
what had happened.
"Got Figgis's berth?" she said.
"Yes. Let's get off the platform as soon as we can. Everybody's looking
at us."
We walked home very quickly, Eliza asking questions all the way, and
looking, as I noticed, quite five years younger. After what I have said
as to my purchases, I need not add that supper that night was a perfect
banquet.
We had a long discussion as to our future, and did not get to bed until
past eleven. I was at first in favour of taking a rather better house,
but Eliza thought we should do more wisely to spread the money over
making ourselves more comfortable generally. When she came to go into
it in detail, I found that on the whole hers was the preferable course.
New curtains for the drawing-room are to be put in hand at once. The
charwoman is to come regularly once a week. We raised the girl's wages
a pound, and she went into hysterics. Eliza has insisted that I am to
have a first-class season-ticket in future. There is much can be done
with £75.
On the whole, about the happiest evening of my life.