Scarcely a courteous word greeted me.

Refusal was blunt, imperative, or else, in those cases where vague encouragement was given, it was so worded as to cause my withdrawal in shame.

If I had been skilled in any business line my reception might have been different; if I possessed recommendations, or could have frankly confessed the truth, perhaps I might have been given a chance.
But as it was everywhere, suspicion was aroused by my reticence, my inability to explain, and the interview ended in curt dismissal, or suggestive innuendo." She paused again, her bosom rising and falling, her cheeks flushed.
"Go on," I said, encouragingly.

"Do not fear I shall misunderstand.

I have been through the same mill." She gave me a quick glance of gratitude, pressing back a straggling strand of hair.
"But you were not a woman," she insisted, "and could defend yourself from insult.