Carson of Red River by Harold Bindloss — Read

Ledward went to the London office and for a time was at the bookkeeper's desk. At the beginning the bookkeeper, who did not need much help, speculated about his employer's object, but he soon admitted that Ledward had qualities he had not thought to find in a fashionable loafer. Jasper Carson, however, did not want a clerk. All he really wanted only he himself knew. In the meantime, he meant Harry to be useful.

Ledward was something of a Hedonist. He took the pleasures he could get without much risk and effort, and when he did make an effort he wanted a reward. He was not remarkably scrupulous, but he observed conventional rules and went soberly because he knew one must pay for indulgence.