"I tried to do all sorts of things.

But no one seemed inclined to give me a chance of doing anything; and, as I say, I was on the point of giving in, when I met in the street, and quite by chance, an old acquaintance of my father.

He is a literary man, an antiquarian, and he is writing a big book; he has been writing it, and I think will continue to write it, all his life.

He wanted, or said he wanted, a secretary, someone to look up facts and data at the British Museum; and he offered me the work.
I--well, I just jumped at it.

Fortunately for me, I have had what most persons call a good education.