“And left nothing for yourself when it was done? Very honourable, my lad; it will always be a satisfaction to you.”
“It is, sir,” said Reginald, cheering up.
“You naturally would be glad to improve your income. How much do you get where you are?”
“Eighteen shillings a week.”
Mr Medlock whistled softly.
“Eighteen shillings; that’s very little, very poor pay,” said he. “I should have thought, with your education, you could have got more than that.”
It pleased Reginald to have his education recognised in this delicate way.
“We had to be thankful for what we could get,” said he; “there are so many fellows out of work.”
“Very true, very true,” said Mr Medlock, shaking his head impressively, “we had no less than 450 replies to our advertisement.”
Reginald gave a gasp. What chance had he among 450 competitors?