By dint of his own persistent efforts, and by enduring insults and rebuffs with indifference, he had at last obtained an appointment in that section of the Treasury which received the dues upon merchandise, and regulated the imposts.

He was but a messenger at every man's call; his pay was not sufficient to obtain his food, still it was an advance, and he was in a government office.

He could but just exist in the town, sleeping in a garret, where he stored the provisions he took in with him every Monday morning from the Old House.

He came home on the Saturday and returned to his work on the Monday.

Even his patience was almost worn out.
The whole place was thus falling to decay, while at the same time it seemed to be flowing with milk and honey, for under the Baron's personal attention the estate, though so carelessly guarded, had become a very garden.