Herbert left Mr. Godfrey's counting-room very much depressed¹ in spirits. But an hour before he had rejoiced in his excellent prospects², and, depending on the favor of his employer and his own fidelity³, had looked forward to a bright future. Now all was changed. He was dismissed from his situation in disgrace, suspected of a mean theft. He had, to be sure, the consciousness of innocence⁴, and that was a great deal. He was not weighed down by the feeling of guilt⁵, at least. Still his prospects were dark. Suppose the matter should not be cleared up, and he should still remain under suspicion? How could he hope to obtain another place without a recommendation from his late employer? No; he must resign all hope of a position and adopt some street occupation, such as selling papers or vending⁶ small articles in a basket, as he had seen boys of his own age doing. He did not doubt but that in some way he could get a living, but still he would be under suspicion, and that was hard to bear.