“‘And is terribly hard up?’
“‘Horribly, poor fellow.’
“‘How’s that?’
“‘Don’t know. He’s poor and proud, and the world has dealt very hardly with him. It isn’t so smooth with every one, Jack, as it is with us.’
“‘True, Tom, old fellow,’ I said, ‘true. Well, look here: I’ll give him a job. Would he come down and stay at my place?’
“‘Oh, yes, if you treat him well; but, as I tell you, he’s poor and proud, and quite a gentleman.’
“‘Well, I’m not,’ I said testily. ‘I’ll give him enough to eat, and a good bed to sleep on; and he’ll have to put up with me dropping my “h’s.” But,’ I added, slapping my pocket, ‘I can pay him like a gentleman.’
“‘Get out, you purse-proud old humbug!’ said Smith, laughing, as he clapped me on the shoulder. ‘But there, I’m obliged to you. Have him down, and I’ll thank you. He’s a gentleman, and a man of honour.’
“‘Oh, I’m not afraid he’ll steal the spoons,’ I said, laughing.
“‘No,’ he said dryly, ‘no fear of that. But you’ll make a good picture.’