`` Yes , I know . '' Clifford dropped his head on his hand and stared rather moodily at the lamp . `` But my joy is chastened , Patty . Of course I want to get the permanency , since it seems to be the only possible thing , but you know my heart is n't really in newspaper work . The plain truth is I do n't like it , although I do my best . You know Father always said I was a born mechanic . If I only could get a position somewhere among machinery -- that would be my choice . There 's one vacant in the Steel and Iron Works at Bancroft -- but of course I 've no chance of getting it . '' `` I know . It 's too bad , '' said Patty , returning to her stockings with a sigh . `` I wish I were a boy with a foothold on the Chronicle . I firmly believe that I 'd make a good newspaper woman , if such a thing had ever been heard of in Aylmer . '' `` That you would . You 've twice as much knack in that line as I have . You seem to know by instinct just what to leave out and put in . I never do , and Harmer has to blue-pencil my copy mercilessly . Well , I 'll do my best with this , as it 's very necessary I should get the permanency , for I fear our family purse is growing very slim . Mother 's face has a new wrinkle of worry every day . It hurts me to see it . '' `` And me , '' sighed Patty .
`` I do wish I could find something XXXXX do too .
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