encountered a great wholesale shoe company, through the broad
plate windows of which she saw an enclosed executive department,
hidden by frosted glass. Without this enclosure, but just within
the street entrance, sat a grey-haired gentleman at a small
table, with a large open ledger before him. She walked by this
institution several times hesitating, but, finding herself
unobserved, faltered past the screen door and stood humble
waiting.

"Well, young lady," observed the old gentleman, looking at her
somewhat kindly, "what is it you wish?"

"I am, that is, do you--I mean, do you need any help?" she
stammered.

"Not just at present," he answered smiling. "Not just at
present. Come in some time next week. Occasionally we need some
one."

She received the answer in silence and backed awkwardly out. The
pleasant nature of her reception rather astonished her. She had
expected that it would be more difficult, that something cold and
harsh would be said--she knew not what. That she had not been
put to shame and made to feel her unfortunate position, seemed
remarkable.

Somewhat encouraged, she ventured into another large structure.
It was a clothing company, and more people were in evidence--
well-dressed men of forty and more, surrounded by brass railings.