“It is the way of the world,” he remarked, after Mrs. Flanders had gone out. “Poverty has few friends.”
“When you are well, sir, I will mention you to a friend who may give you some work,” said Gilbert. “Meanwhile I will call again in a day or two.”
“You will always be welcome,” said Mr. Talbot, gratefully. “You have done me a great service.”
When Gilbert went out, he realized that his generosity might cause him inconvenience, for he had but a dollar remaining in his pocket-book, and was earning nothing.
CHAPTER XXV.
GILBERT IN A TIGHT PLACE.
Gilbert called upon the Vivians the same evening. He was received with as much cordiality as on his first visit.
“Now,” said Mr. Vivian, laying down the evening paper, which he had been reading at Gilbert’s entrance, “tell me how you came to lose your place.”
Gilbert told his story in the fewest possible words.
“It’s a great shame,” said Fred, indignantly; “I’d like to put a head on that book-keeper.”
“I sympathize with you, Fred,” said Laura; “but I think you might have expressed yourself differently.”