"Just able to sit up and take nourishment. You see I am wasting away." Wilson shook his fat sides with laughter.
"I hope you will soon take on a little flesh," said Harold.
"Harold, how is architectural business?"
"The facts are that I am not doing much, but I still have hopes."
"It would be an awful world without hope. Just keep a stiff upper lip and things will come your way some of these times." Wilson's voice was so cheerful that Harold felt encouraged already.
"Why don't you make a bid for the proposed new city building?"
"I had thought of trying for this work, but I am not acquainted with the mayor and only slightly acquainted with one commissioner."
"That doesn't make any difference, if you can convince them that you can do the work."
"I have a good recommendation from the architect in whose office I was draughtsman before coming to Wilford Springs. Since I opened the office here I have designed only a few small buildings, but I am competent to design any kind of a building they want."
"Harold, you apply for the work, and I will see what I can do for you."