“It is positively humiliating,” said the other angrily, “to be superseded by a half grown, immature boy,” and he glared at Bernard.
“No doubt, sir,” said Bernard.
“Why, it was the height of audacity for you to apply for such a position.”
“I suppose it was,” said Bernard modestly; “but I had one excuse.”
“What was it?”
“I was poor, and very much in need of employment.”
“Then why didn’t you apply for a position as shop boy.”
“Because I don’t think I could live on the pay of a shop boy.”
“Mr. Cunningham must be insane. Certain no man with his wits about him could make such a foolish selection. Listen to me! I am poor as well as you. I need a new suit of clothes, but I can’t buy it. I have been out of work for three months. Now I am going to ask a favor of you.”
Bernard concluded that the favor was a pecuniary one, and he felt disposed to assist his unfortunate fellow applicant; but he waited to have him explain himself.