He was now willing, also, to receive any aid which self-respect permitted him to accept, and was grateful for the copying obtained for him by Mrs. Arnot. But she frankly told him that it would not last long. The question what he should do next pressed heavily upon him.
As he was reading the paper to Mr. Growther one evening, his eye caught an advertisement which stated that more hands were needed at a certain factory in the suburbs. He felt sure that if he presented himself in the morning with the others he would be refused, and he formed the bold purpose of going at once to the manufacturer. Having found the stately residence, he said to the servant who answered his summons: "Will you say to Mr. Ivison that a person wishes to see him?"
The maid eyed him critically, and concluded, from his garb, to leave him standing in the hall.
Mr. Ivison left his guests in the parlor and came out, annoyed at the interruption.
"Well, what do you wish, sir?" he said, in a tone that was far from being encouraging, at the same time gaining an unfavorable impression from Haldane's dress.
"In the evening paper you advertised for more hands in your factory. I wish employment."
"Are you drunk, or crazy, that you thus apply at my residence?" was the harsh reply.
"Neither, sir; I--"
"You are very presuming, then."
"You would not employ me if I came in the morning."
"What do you mean? Who are you?"
"I am at least human. Can you give one or two moments to the consideration of my case?"
"One might afford that much," said the gentleman with a half-apologetic laugh; for the pale face and peculiar bearing of the stranger were beginning to interest him.
"I do not ask more of your time, and will come directly to the point. My name is Haldane, and, as far as I am concerned, you know nothing good concerning me."
"You are correct," said Mr. Ivison coldly. "I shall not need your services."
"Mr. Ivison," said Haldane in a tone that made the gentleman pause, "ought I to be a thief and a vagabond?"
"Certainly not."
"Then why do you, and all who, like you, have honest work to give, leave me no other alternative? I have acted wrongly and foolishly, but I wish to do better. I do not ask a place of trust, only work with others, under the eyes of others, where I could not rob you of a cent's worth if I wished. In the hurry and routine of your office you would not listen to me, so I come to-night and make this appeal. If you refuse it, and I go to the devil, you will have a hand in the result."