"Can you keep an ordinary set of books?"
"Yes, sir."
"How about writing an ordinary business letter?"
"I wrote many letters for Mr. Gray."
"In that case I would be willing to start you at eight dollars per week, and after six months I would raise you to ten dollars."
"That would be satisfactory."
"Then leave your name and address. Even if that new clerk does suit there may be another opening before long—although I would not advise you to lay back and depend upon it."
"I couldn't afford to lay back, sir."
"You have to support yourself?"
"I do."