'I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. North.'
These were the first words spoken.
Some time elapsed before the trio could shake off the strangeness of their meeting; even the elderly man was conscious of a feeling of awkwardness. Brian, who had come to be inspected, was perhaps most at ease. It was due, chiefly, to his adroit management of the situation that conversation became more confidential before long.
In speaking of some news of the day, he alluded to the opinion advocated on the subject by the paper for which he had formerly worked, and expressed his regret at having lost his employment.
'For, as you know, sir, I am a very poor man, with the best possible reason for desiring success in my profession.'
'Catherine says you are a hard worker when work is ready for you to do,' said Mr. Carmichael.
'It would be strange if I were not, since our home depends upon my industry,' answered Brian, with a smile. 'We have been making each other very hopeful—haven't we, Catherine?—by deciding that work usually comes to those who are anxious and able to do it.'
'Work, perhaps—though personally I doubt your optimistic theory—but not always the kind of work desired.'
'It would only be a question of capability with me. I would do any honourable remunerative task.'
Uncle Ross began to question Brian closely as to the writing he had done, and the extent of his literary and journalistic experience, and the talk became animated, interspersed with anecdotes of celebrated literature, and keen, clever expressions of opinion by the younger man.