Like Tantalus, the tempting fruit had been within reach, and his evil destiny had come in to dash it from his lips.

Was it wonderful if he felt disposed to give it up and in sheer desperation go back to Bolsover?
The whole of the remainder of that day was spent in spiritless wandering about the streets.

Once he made another attempt to obtain work, this time at a merchant's office.

But again the inconvenient question of character was raised, and he was compelled to denounce himself.

This time his confession was even more unfeelingly received than at the bookseller's.
"How dare you come here, you scoundrel ?" exclaimed the merchant in a rage.
"Don't call me a scoundrel!" retorted Jeffreys, his temper suddenly breaking out.
"I'll call a policeman if you are not out of here in half a minute.
Here, you boys," added he, calling his six or eight clerks, "turn this wretch out of the place.