He had quarrelled with his family, probably over his marriage; and, as so many had done, found it difficult to keep his head above water.

His wife had been ordered to a warm climate, and he was ready to do anything that would enable him to keep her there.
It would assuredly be a great advantage to have one who could act, in an emergency, as a clerk; of course, his knowledge of language would greatly add to his utility.

It certainly was not business to take a man without a reference, but the advantages more than counterbalanced the disadvantages.

It was not likely that he would stay with him long; but at any rate, the fact that he was taking his wife with him would ensure his staying, until he saw something a great deal better elsewhere.
When Gregory returned, therefore, he said: "I have been thinking this matter over.

What is your name ?" "Gregory Hilliard, sir." "Well, I have been thinking it over, and I have decided to engage you.
I quite believe the story that you have told me, and your appearance fully carries it out.