“Haven’t you got on, though? Here I find you the trusted bookkeeper of an important business firm. Did you bring recommendations from your last place?” and he burst into a loud guffaw.
“I wish you wouldn’t make such references,” snapped Gibbon. “They can do no good, and might do harm.”
“Don’t be angry, my dear boy. I rejoice at your good fortune. Wish I was equally well fixed. You don’t ask how I am getting on.”
“I hope you are prosperous,” said Gibbon, coldly.
“I might be more so. Is there a place vacant in your office?”
“No.”
“And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?”
“There is no need to speak of that. There is no vacancy.”
“Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to the end of my tether. I may have money enough to last me four weeks longer, but no more.”
“I don’t see how I can help you,” said Gibbon.