"No, I'm not," said Carrie shyly.

She did manage to inquire at the box-office, however.

"Nothing," she answered, a little drearily.

Rent was paid, and now came the grocer. Hurstwood managed bypaying out of his own ten and collecting from Carrie at the endof the week. Then he delayed a day next time settling with thegrocer, and so soon had his ten back, with Oeslogge getting hispay on this Thursday or Friday for last Saturday's bill.

She went hunting aimlessly through the crowded columns. Her mindwas distracted by this man's indifference. The difficulty of thesituation she was facing was only added to by all he did. Self-commiseration brewed in her heart. Tears trembled along hereyelids but did not fall. Hurstwood noticed something.

"Go back home, I guess."

"Doesn't look much like a man who sees spirits, does he?" saidDrouet.

"I want to know if I can get a position," she inquired.

"I'll tell you what I'll do," he added. "I'll write you, care ofthis West Side Post-office. Could you call next Tuesday?"

"Yes, I will," he exclaimed, more feelingly than usual, adding,with the tone of one who pleads, "Don't you believe what I'vetold you?"