“Quite well, thank you, Mr. Carroll,” replied Allbright, then his delight, which makes a child of most men, could not be restrained. “I have just secured a very good position in a wholesale tea-house—Allen, Day & Co.,” he said.
“That is good,” said Carroll, echoing the other's enthusiasm. He really felt a leap of joy in his soul because of the other's good-fortune. He felt that in some way he himself needed to be congratulated for his good-fortune, that he had been instrumental in securing it. His face lit up. “I am delighted, Mr. Allbright,” he repeated.
“Yes, it is a very good thing for me,” said Allbright, simply. “I was beginning to get a little discouraged. I had saved a little, but I did not like to spend it all, and I have my sister to take care of.”
“I am very glad,” Carroll said, still again.
Allbright then looked at him with a little attention, pushing, as it were, his own self, intensified by joy, aside. “You are not looking very well, Mr. Carroll,” he said, deferentially, and yet with a kindly concern.
“I am very well,” said Carroll. Then he pulled out his watch again, and Allbright noticed quickly that it was a dollar watch. He remembered his suspicion. “I must hurry if I am to get my train,” said Carroll. “You live here, Mr. Allbright?”
“Yes. I have lived here for twenty years.”
“Well, I am very glad to hear of your good-fortune. Good-day, Mr. Allbright.”
Carroll had not advanced three paces from Allbright before his feet glissaded on the thin glare of the pavement, he tried to recover himself, and came down heavily, striking his head; then he knew no more for some time.