“No doubt they were better qualified than I am.”
“Yes, they were. The first one has considerable experience in traveling and speaks two or three of the Continental languages, but I never could make a friend of him.”
“He seemed very stiff and unsocial.”
“That was my judgment of him. As to the second, he was entirely too well satisfied with himself. I have no doubt he would try to make himself agreeable, and he has traveled some.”
“He seemed to think there was every chance of his obtaining the position. No one thought I had any chance.”
“You wouldn’t have with most persons, but I happen to like you,” said Walter Cunningham frankly.
“I am glad of that. I thought the young man who went in last might be successful. The middle-aged man didn’t have strong hopes.”
“No, he is too old, and seems to have had such a rough time in life that he would be far from a cheerful companion. He seems very hard up. When I write him my refusal I shall send him a five pound note to relieve his feeling of disappointment.”
“That will be very kind in you. I would do the same in your place.”
“I think we are alike in being considerate of others. As to the young man, he doesn’t seem to be practical. I am afraid that I should be a companion to him rather than he to me.”