Robert, more prudent, possibly more timid, consented to embrace that way of life in which he could most readily assist his family.

But he did so with a mind divided; fled the neighbourhood of former comrades; and chose, out of several positions placed at his disposal, a clerkship in New York.
His career thenceforth was one of unbroken shame.

He did not drink, he was exactly honest, he was never rude to his employers, yet was everywhere discharged.

Bringing no interest to his duties, he brought no attention; his day was a tissue of things neglected and things done amiss; and from place to place and from town to town, he carried the character of one thoroughly incompetent.

No man can bear the word applied to him without some flush of colour, as indeed there is none other that so emphatically slams in a man's face the door of self-respect.