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Mr Arnot was so disturbed by his wife's visit that he found it impossible to return to the routine of business, and, instead ofof a man whose imperious will awed and controlled all within its sphere, he fuht in the toils hi it had seemed that there could not have been a fairer opportunity to vindicate his iron syste subject in his business realht that they were governed by inexorable lahich would be executed with the certainty and precision hich the wheels reat factory under the steady impulse of the motor power But the whole led snarl, whose final issue no one could foretell

He was sensitive to public opinion, and had supposed that his course would be upheld and applauded, and he be commended as a conservator of public morals He now feared, however, that he would be portrayed as harsh, grasping, and unfeeling It did not trouble him that he was so, but that he would be made to appear so

But his wife's words in reference to the withdrawal of her large property from his business was a far more serious consideration He had learned how resolute and unswerving she could be in matters of conscience, and he knew that she was not in the habit ofidle threats in moments of irritation If, just at this ti his business, she should demand a separate investment of her ree If this should be one of the results of his master-stroke, he would have reason to curse his brilliant policy all his days He would now be only too glad to get rid of the Haldane affair on any terms, for thus far it had proved only a source of annoyance and mortification He was somewhat consoled, however, when his confidential clerk returned and intimated that the examination before the justice had been brief; that Haldane had eagerly stated his case to the justice, but when that dignitary remarked that it was a clear case of embezzlement, and that he would have to commit the prisoner unless so fellow had grown sullen and answered, "Send me to jail then; I have no friends in this accursed city"

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