"I have no father," said Alfred, his heart growing fainter and fainter, "and I'm not in business. I'm a clerk."
"O, you're in a situation, I suppose."
"Yes, I'm a clerk at Tickle and Flint's."
"Salary?"
"Fifteen shillings a week."
At mention of which amount Con shifted some books from one part of the table to another with very decided action, as if that settled the matter.
"I can put some of it by," exclaimed Alfred imploringly. "I can put it all by, if you'll let me have fifty pounds for three months!"
"Fifteen shillings a week wouldn't pay the interest, my boy," was Con's rejoinder. "Wouldn't cover risk."
"Then Alfred suddenly thought of Lily. If he mentioned her, it might improve his standing in Con Staveley's estimation.
"My sister earns money," he said in a shamefaced manner.