some help upstairs a few days ago. Ask for Mr. Brown."

She hastened around to the side entrance and was taken up by the
elevator to the fourth floor.

"Call Mr. Brown, Willie," said the elevator man to a boy near by.

Willie went off and presently returned with the information that
Mr. Brown said she should sit down and that he would be around in
a little while.

It was a portion of the stock room which gave no idea of the
general character of the place, and Carrie could form no opinion
of the nature of the work.

"So you want something to do," said Mr. Brown, after he inquired
concerning the nature of her errand. "Have you ever been
employed in a shoe factory before?"

"No, sir," said Carrie.

"What is your name?" he inquired, and being informed, "Well, I
don't know as I have anything for you. Would you work for four
and a half a week?"

Carrie was too worn by defeat not to feel that it was
considerable. She had not expected that he would offer her less
than six. She acquiesced, however, and he took her name and
address.