"You mean they want security?" said he.
"Yes," said Miss Townshead hastily. "Still, one of the girls I met at the school told me there was somebody wanted at a big dry goods store, and I think I had better go round and see the people now."
Alton rose, and when they went out together gravely held out his hand. "We used to be good friends, and you were kind to me," said he. "Now is there nothing that I can do?"
"No," said Miss Townshead hastily. "Of course there is nothing, and you will hear that I am prospering presently."
Alton bent a trifle over the little hand in the shabby glove that rested a moment in his palm. "Well, if ever there is anything you will let me know. You are a brave girl," said he.
Nellie Townshead turned and left him, feeling for no apparent reason a slight choking sensation, and Alton, who watched the little figure in the threadbare dress for at least a minute, strode resolutely back to the commercial school.
"I want to see the man who runs this place," he said.
He was shown into an office, where a man, whose face he was pleased with, greeted him. "You taught Miss Townshead here?" he said.
"Yes," said the other. "She is a lady of considerable ability, and I could recommend her with confidence."
Alton stared at him a moment out of half-closed eyes. "Of course you would," he said. "Well now, she has been applying for some place where they want security. Is it fit for a lady?"