Perhaps he is a button-moulder.

In fact I'm almost certain he is--other name Willits.
Occupation, professor." "But if he is a button-maker, he can't be a professor," said Ann shrewdly.
"Oh, yes he can.

Button-moulding is what he professes.

His line is a specialty in spoiled buttons.

He makes them over." "Second-hand ?" "Better than new." Ann fidgeted idly with the doctor's cuff-links and then with a flash of her odd childish comprehension, "You love him a lot, don't you ?" she said jealously.
The doctor adjusted a collar button.
"England expects that every man shall deny the charge of loving another," he said, "but between you and me, I do rather like old Willits.