Sweedle, nodding cheerfully, withdraws.

Cokeson.  Glad to see you.  You’re rather previous. [Trying to keep things pleasant] Shake hands!  She’s striking while the iron’s hot. [He wipes his forehead] I don’t blame her.  She’s anxious.

     Falder timidly takes COKESON’s hand and glances towards the
     partners’ door.

Cokeson.  No—­not yet!  Sit down! [Falder sits in the chair at the aide of COKESON’s table, on which he places his cap] Now you are here I’d like you to give me a little account of yourself. [Looking at him over his spectacles] How’s your health?

Falder.  I’m alive, Mr. Cokeson.

Cokeson. [Preoccupied] I’m glad to hear that.  About this matter.  I don’t like doing anything out of the ordinary; it’s not my habit.  I’m a plain man, and I want everything smooth and straight.  But I promised your friend to speak to the partners, and I always keep my word.

Falder.  I just want a chance, Mr. Cokeson.  I’ve paid for that job a thousand times and more.  I have, sir.  No one knows.  They say I weighed more when I came out than when I went in.  They couldn’t weigh me here [he touches his head] or here [he touches—­his heart, and gives a sort of laugh].  Till last night I’d have thought there was nothing in here at all.

Cokeson. [Concerned] You’ve not got heart disease?

Falder.  Oh! they passed me sound enough.

Cokeson.  But they got you a place, didn’t they?

Falser.  Yes; very good people, knew all about it—­very kind to me.  I thought I was going to get on first rate.  But one day, all of a sudden, the other clerks got wind of it....  I couldn’t stick it, Mr. Cokeson, I couldn’t, sir.

Cokeson.  Easy, my dear fellow, easy!

Falder.  I had one small job after that, but it didn’t last.

Cokeson.  How was that?

Falder.  It’s no good deceiving you, Mr. Cokeson.  The fact is, I seem to be struggling against a thing that’s all round me.  I can’t explain it:  it’s as if I was in a net; as fast as I cut it here, it grows up there.  I didn’t act as I ought to have, about references; but what are you to do?  You must have them.  And that made me afraid, and I left.  In fact, I’m—­I’m afraid all the time now.

     He bows his head and leans dejectedly silent over the table.

Cokeson.  I feel for you—­I do really.  Aren’t your sisters going to do anything for you?

Falder.  One’s in consumption.  And the other——­

Cokeson.  Ye...es.  She told me her husband wasn’t quite pleased with you.