“I don’t know,” faltered Dorothy, “but—it must have been some other William Irving, then. But, please, can’t you find me some employment? I am greatly in need of it!”
Mr. Irving looked at the agitated girl, and felt sorry for her.
“What can you do?” he said, not unkindly. “Have you had any experience in clerical work?”
“Clerical work?” said Dorothy, opening her eyes. “Do you mean church work? I belong to the Sunday-school.”
It chanced that Dorothy had never heard the word “clerical” used before, and she imagined it referred to the clergy.
Mr. Irving bit his lips to keep from smiling.
“I mean office work,” he said; “have you ever been in an office?”
“Oh, no, sir; you see, we just lost our money lately. But I’m sure I could learn.”
“Are you a stenographer? Can you type-write?”
“No, not either. But I can write a good hand, and I’m quick at figures. Couldn’t I copy letters for you? I’m very tidy about my papers.”