"Are you a poor relation?" asked Ezra Little, bluntly.
"That is hard to tell. Ideas of poverty are comparative. I have always supported myself, and I hope I shall continue to do so. In a great city like this I can surely find something to do."
"I think you would better have remained in Michigan. What were you doing there?"
"I kept books for a man in the lumber business," answered Seth.
"You couldn't get a chance to keep books here. Your age would be against you, for one thing, Seth."
"I am only fifty-six, Ezra."
"That is old when you are seeking a position. I hope you have some money to fall back upon."
"I have a little, and then I was always able to live frugally."
"That is wise. You might, perhaps, expect that I would give you a place in my store, but you would not do for the dry-goods business."
"I don't think I should," said the old man, candidly. "I have never been accustomed to very close confinement."