Still Mr. Wesden was surprised--in fact, very much astonished. Only a year or two ago, and the tall young man before him was a little boy fresh from school, and a source of trouble to him when he got near the tinsel drawer, and Skelt's Scenes and Characters--now he was talking of love matters. "You're the first customer this morning, Sidney, and you've asked for a rum article," he said bluntly. "Which you'll not refuse me, I hope, sir--which you'll give me a chance of obtaining, at all events." "What does Harriet say?" "I've--I've only just said a few words to her--more than I ought to have said perhaps, before I know her feelings towards me, or what your wishes were, sir." Sidney, very humble and deferential to pater-familias, after taking the case in his own hands, like all young hypocrites who have this terrible ordeal to pass, and are doubtful of the upshot. Mr. Wesden listened and stared--clean over Sidney's head, rather than at him. Had he not had a long experience of the stationer's ways, he would have augured ill for his prospects from the stolidity with which his news was received; but Mr. Wesden was always a grave and reserved man, and his immobile features did not alarm the young suitor. "Well, and what's to keep her and you--_my money_?" "Not a farthing of it, sir, by your good leave," said Sidney, proudly; "I wish to work on and wait for her. I have every hope of attaining to a good position in my office--I think I see my way clearly--I won't ask you to let her marry me till I can show you a home of my own, and a little money in the bank, sir." "Why didn't you wait till then?" was the dry question. "Why, because a fellow wants a hope to live on--permission from you to pay his addresses to Miss Harriet, and to ask her to give me a hope too." "I see." Mr. Wesden fidgeted about his top drawers, folded some papers, looked in his till, and then turned his little withered face to Sidney. The face had altered, was brighter, even wore a smile, and Sidney's heart leaped again. "If you'd been like most young men, I should have said 'Not yet.' But you haven't crept about the bush, and you've dealt fair, and I'll promise all I can without tying the girl up too closely." "Tying her up!" "The home of your own hasn't turned up yet," shrewdly remarked the stationer; "and though I believe that and the money will, we may as well wait for some signs of them. And----" "Well, well." "Don't you be in a hurry, young man; breath don't come so fast as it did, and I'm not used to long speeches." "Take your time, sir--I beg pardon." "And Harriet's very young, and may see some one else to like better." "I hope not, sir." "And _you_ are very young, and may see some one else too." "Oh! Mr. Wesden." "Ah! it's shocking to think of, but these awful events do occur," said the old man, satirically; "and, besides, my old lady and I are ignorant people in one way, and mayn't suit you when you get bigger and prouder."