Saying which, the manager bustled importantly into a back room, and threw open a side door for Holdsworth to enter.
“Pray be seated, sir. Nice weather.”
And the manager drew a chair to a desk, clasped his hands on a volume of interest-tables, and fixed his eyes on Holdsworth.
“I have called to inquire if you are in want of a clerk,” said Holdsworth.
“I beg your pardon?” exclaimed the manager.
Holdsworth repeated his remark, adding that he was in want of a situation, and would be glad to fill any vacancy there might be in the staff of the bank clerks.
The manager, who had expected something very different from this, got up instantly; his business-smile vanished, he thrust his hands into his breeches pockets, and exclaimed:
“Clerk, sir! Who told you we wanted a clerk?”
“Nobody. I have called here at my own suggestion.”
“God bless my heart! You are quite out of order, sir! Really, these intrusions upon my time .... you should have explained your wish at the counter. When we want a clerk, we know where to find one, backed, sir, with first-class securities and influential recommendations.”