His talents were obviously wasted in measuring dry-goods and weighing flour.

Moreover, since meeting Stormont he had been extravagant and got into debt.

There was no need to be economical when he had been promised a share in a rich mining claim.
Then he wondered with misgivings what the farmer who had gone into the back office was talking about, and hearing angry voices, felt sorry he had made some alterations in the man's order.

Certain stale goods carried a commission if the salesman could work them off, but the thing needed tact and a knowledge of the customer's temper.

Drummond feared he had been imprudent.
In the meantime, he looked about the store with a feeling of disgust.
The long room, with its cracked, board walls and dusty floor, was uncomfortably warm, and smelt of hot iron, dry-goods, and old cheese.
Drummond had neglected to regulate the draught when he filled the rusty stove, and now felt that one could not expect a spirited young man to spend his days in such a place.