How painfully was Mr. Markland reminded, at almost every turn, of the changed relations he bore to the world!  He had not doubted his ability to form a good business connection with some house of standing, or with some young capitalist, ready to place money against his experience and trade.  But in this he was doomed to disappointment.  His friends spoke discouragingly; and everywhere he met but a cold response to his views.  Meantime, one creditor of the Company, in New York, who held a matured piece of paper on which Mr. Markland’s name was inscribed, commenced a suit against him.  To prevent this creditor getting all that remained of his wasted estate, an assignment for the benefit of all was made, and preparations at once commenced for removing from Woodbine Lodge.

A few days after this arrangement, Mr. Willet, whose family had gathered closer around their neighbours the moment the fact of their misfortune was known, came over to see Mr. Markland and have some talk with him about his future prospects.  A brief conversation which had taken place on the day previous opened the way for him to do so without seeming to intrude.  The impossibility of getting into business at the present time was admitted, on both sides, fully.  Mr. Willet then said—­

“If the place of salesman in a large jobbing-house would meet your views, I believe I can manage it for you.”

“I am in no situation,” replied Mr. Markland, “to make my own terms with the world.  Standing at the foot of the ladder, I must accept the first means of ascent that offers.”

“You will, then, take the place?”

“Yes, if the offer is made.”

“The salary is not as large as I could wish,” said Mr. Willet.

“How much?”

“Twelve hundred dollars.”

“Get it for me, Mr. Willet, and I will be deeply grateful.  That sum will save my children from immediate want.”

“I wish it were more, for your sake,” replied the kind neighbour.  “But I trust it will be the beginning of better things.  You will, at least, gain a footing on the first round of the ladder.”

“But the advantage is only in prospect,” said Mr. Markland.  “The place is not yet mine.”

“You have the refusal,” was the pleased answer.  “I had you in my mind when I heard of the vacancy, and mentioned your name.  The principal of the firm said, without a word of hesitation, that if you were available, you would just suit him.”

“I shall not soon forget your real kindness,” responded Markland, grasping the hand of Mr. Willet.  “You have proved, indeed, though an acquaintance of recent date, a true friend.  Ah, sir! my heart had begun to despond.  So many cold looks, changed tones, and discouraging words!  I was not prepared for them.  When a man is no longer able to stand alone, how few there are to reach out an arm to give him support!”

“It is the way of the world,” replied Mr. Willet; “and if we give it credit for more virtue than it possesses, a sad disappointment awaits us.  But there are higher and better principles of action than such as govern the world.  They bring a higher and better reward.”