eable niece in
the family, whose affections he had gained without knowing it.

"If I had accepted," he says, "I should most likely have married the
niece, and lived and died a rich Stamford linen-draper."

I doubt it. I do not believe that the best shop in Christendom could
have held him long. When he declined this offer he was already in
business for himself manufacturing cotton machinery. This business was a
failure, his partner proving incompetent; and he abandoned the
enterprise in a few months, taking, as his share of the stock, three
cotton-spinning machines. With these he began business for himself as a
cotton spinner, hiring three men to work his machines, while he
superintended the establishment. He made about thirty dollars a week
profit, and was going along at this rate, not ill satisfied with his
lot, when he read one morning in the paper an advertisement for a
factory manager. He applied for the place in person.

"You are too young," said the advertiser.

"They used to object to me on that score four or five years ago," was
his reply, "but I did not expect to have it brought up now."

"Why, what age are you?"

"I shall be twenty in May next."

"How often do you get drunk in the week?"

"I never," said Owen, blushing, "was drunk in my life."

"What salary do you ask?"

"Three hundred (pounds) a year."

"Three hundred a year! Why, I have had I don't know how many after the
place here this morning, and all their askings together would not come
up to what you want."

"Whatever others may ask, I cannot take less. I am making three hundred
a year by my own business."

He got the place. A few days after, this lad of twenty, who had never so
much as entered a large factory in his life, was installed manager of an
establishment which employed five hundred people. He conducted himself
with consummate prudence and skill. For the first six weeks he went
about the building grave, silent, and watchful, using his eyes much and
his tongue little, answering questions very briefly, and giving no
positive directions. When evening came, and the hands were dismissed, he
studied the machinery, the product, and all the secrets of the business.
In six weeks he was a competent master, and every one felt that he was a
competent master. Of large frame, noble countenance, and sympathizing
disposition, he won affection, as well as confidence and respect. In six
months there was not a better-managed mill in Manchester.