“I am very sorry,” said Paul, “but I have just engaged a young man belonging to our Club to come this morning.”

Joe looked sad, but not discouraged, and said, “Mr. Clifford, I want to turn over a new leaf in my life, but everyone does not know that.  Do you know of any situation I can get?  I have been a book-keeper and a salesman in the town of C., where I once lived, but I am willing to begin almost anywhere on the ladder of life, and make it a stepping-stone to something better.”

There was a tone of earnestness in his voice, and an air of determination, in his manner that favorably impressed Paul Clifford and he replied,——­

“I was thinking of a friend of mine who wants a helping hand; but it may not be, after all, the kind of work you prefer.  He wants a porter, but as you say you want to make your position a stepping-stone to something better, if you make up your mind to do your level best, the way may open before you in some more congenial and unexpected quarter.  Wait a few minutes, and I will give you a line to him.  No!  I can do better than that; he is a member of our Club, and I will see him myself; but before you do, had we better not go to the barber’s?”

“I would like to,” said Joe, “but I haven’t—­”

“Haven’t the money?”

“Yes, Mr. Clifford, that’s the fact, I am not able to pay even for a shave.  Oh! what a fool I have been.”

“Oh! well never mind, let the dead past, bury its dead.  The future is before you, try and redeem that.  If you accept it, I will lend you a few dollars.  I believe in lending a helping hand.  So come with me to the barber’s and I’ll make it all right, you can pay me when you are able, but here we are at the door, let us go in.”

They entered, and in a few moments Joe’s face was under the manipulating care of the barber.

“Fix this so,” said Joe to the barber, giving him directions how to cut his mustache.

Paul was somewhat amused, and yet in that simple act, he saw a return of self-respect, and was glad to see its slightest manifestations, and it was pleasant to witness the satisfaction with which Joe beheld himself in the glass, as he exclaimed, “Why Mary would hardly know me!”

“Suppose now, we go to the tailor’s and get some new rigging?”

“Mr. Clifford,” said Joe hesitatingly, “you are very kind, but I don’t know when I shall be able to pay you, and—­”

“Oh! never mind, when you are able I will send my bill.  It will help you in looking for a place to go decently dressed.  So let us go into the store and get a new suit.”

They entered a clothing store and in a few moments Joe was dressed in a new suit which made him look almost like another person.

“Now, we are ready,” said Paul, “appearances are not so much against you.”

“Good morning Mr. Tennant,” said Paul to the proprietor of a large store.  “I heard last night that you wanted help in your store and I have brought you Mr. Gough, who is willing to take any situation you will give him, and I will add, he is a member of our Reform Club.”