However, there was one great objection to his lifting a spade. It would first have been necessary to apply to his uncle for the once-rejected half-dollar. He was determined never to do that.
He walked home, very thoughtful. He could not see how it was possible that any good fortune should ever happen to him in Washington. The sights of the city had become exceedingly distasteful to him, associated as they were with his hopes deferred and his heart-sickness. He reached his door. Mrs. Markham met him with beaming countenance.
"There is a gentleman waiting for you! I reckon it's another pupil!"
His face brightened for an instant. But it was clouded again quickly, as be reflected,—
"One more pupil! Very likely! That makes two! At this rate, I shall have four in the course of a year!"
He was inclined to be sarcastic with himself. But he checked the ungrateful thoughts at once.
"What Providence sends me, that let me cheerfully and thankfully accept!"
He entered the parlor. A gentlemanly person, with an air of culture, advanced to meet him.
"This is Mr. ——?"
"That is my name, Sir."