CHAPTER XX.
In the interviews with Mr.Marks, Arthur Northway did not show at his best.

Whoever that scheming personage might be, his knowledge and his air of condescension oppressed the needy young man, made him conscious of a hang-dog look, and a helpless promptitude to sell himself for a few coins.

It was not thus that Northway, even after his unpleasant experiences, viewed himself in relation to the world.

He had decidedly more intellect than is often found in commercial clerks--the class to which he belonged by birth and breeding--and in spite of checks he believed himself destined to no common career.

Long musing had taught him the rashness of his youthful endeavours to live largely; he was now aware that his talents must ally themselves with patience, with a careful scrutiny of possibilities.
Lying awake in the night, he thought with anything but satisfaction of the bargain to which he had pledged himself.