All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR. 299
Waring wanted a new representative in
Shanghai.
The partners considered their office and its
occupants, and their eyes fell upon the two lads.
They were both of good character ;
knew two modern languages ;
they both
they were hand-
some young men, of good bearing and good
address, presentable anywhere. It does a
house good to be represented abroad by young
gentlemen of pleasing manners.
But they only wanted one, and tliey hesi-
tated which to take. For the appointment,
though it led to such risks as that which proved
fatal to Biver the bibulous, was gi'cat pro-
motion ; a handsome salar}^ was attiiched to the
])0st ; there was no telling what miglit nut
follow—even pai'tnerships had followed—for
successfully representing the House in Shanghai.
The partners finally decided on Allen. He
was intelligent, though i)erhaps, they thought,
knowing nothing about the i)oetry, not so
intelligent as the other lad ;
he could be safely
trusted to carry out instructions with discretion,