“It is no reproach to come from the gutter—the reproach is in staying there. I have left it, and I don’t intend to return.”
“Oh, ‘intend’!” cried the manager, impatiently. “We all know what is paved with intentions. Why; you have never even spoken to the girl!”
“No, but I mean to.”
“Do you? Well, I shall take very good care that you do not.”
“What have you against me, Mr. Sartwell?”
“What is there for you? Perhaps you will kindly specify your recommendations.”
“You are very hard on me, Mr. Sartwell. You know that if I came from the gutter, what education I have, I gave to myself. I have studied hard, and worked hard. Does that count for nothing? I have a good character, and I have a good situation——”
“You have not. I discharge you. You will call at the office to-morrow, get your week’s money, and go.”
“Oh!”
“Yes, ‘oh!’ You did not think that of me, did you?”