For he usually earned about fifteen shillings, except in the Christmas season, when trade was brisk.

Then he drew more than a pound.

This sum of money, which had formerly satisfied his wants, now seemed a mere flea-bite.
He looked round with a sudden scorn on the musty shop that had given him work and food since he was a boy.

The sight of the old man, bending over the last, with his simple, placid face, annoyed him.

And he felt a sudden enmity for this man whose old-fashioned ways had let him grow grey here like a rat in a hole.
He stared round, wondering if anything could be done to improve the business.