"Roland--as you have, in a manner touched upon the subject--I should like to ask what you think of doing," interposed William Yorke, in a condescending but kindly tone. "You seem to have no prospects whatever."
"Oh I shall get along," cheerfully answered Roland with a side glance at Miss Channing. "Perhaps you'll see me in housekeeping in a year's time from this."
"In housekeeping!"
"Yes: with a house of my own--and, something else. I'm not afraid. I have begun to put my shoulder to the wheel in earnest. If I don't get on, it shall not be from lack of working for it."
"How have you begun to put your shoulder to the wheel?"
"Well--I take home copying to do in my spare time after office hours. I have been doing it in earnest over three weeks now."
"And how much do you earn at it weekly?" continued William Yorke.
A slight depression from its bright exultation passed over Roland's ingenuous face. Hamish saw it, and laughed. Hamish was quite a confidant, for Roland carried to him all his hopes and their tiresome drawbacks.
"I can tell you: I added it up," said Roland. "Taking the three weeks on the average, it has been two-and-twopence a week."
"Two-and-twopence a week!" echoed William Yorke, who had expected him (after the laudatory introduction) to say at least two pounds two. Roland detected the surprise and disappointment.