one of the girls. In
fact, I believe I was gently patronizing."

"I don't think he was much hurt."

"Then he must have been amused and that is nearly as bad. After he had
gone I imagined I'd seen his portrait somewhere."

"He hasn't gone yet," the principal answered with a twinkle. "He's
waiting to see you in the managers' room, and I must confess to
something of a plot when I brought him in quietly to hear your lecture."

"But what does he want?" Agatha asked with excited curiosity.

"I imagine he wants to offer you a post, but he will tell you about
this. You have half an hour before the next class."

Agatha went out, trying to preserve her calm. The man had made his mark
by the application of science to industry and the thought that she might
help him gave her a thrill. This was different work from teaching
beginners; taking them so far and then going over the ground again. If
she got the post, she could go on, farther perhaps than she had hoped,
and when she had learned enough embark on a career of independent
research. She thought she had the necessary tenacity and brains. There
was an obstacle, but she would not hurry to meet it and it might be
removed.

When she entered the room the man got up and indicated a chair. He asked
a few questions, rather carelessly, and afterwards remarked: "Miss
Southern had already told me what I most wanted to know. You may have
heard about the work in which I am engaged."

"Yes," said Agatha, with a touch of color, "I know what it is now."

He smiled. "Perhaps it would have been better had I asked Miss Southern
to present me, but I'm not very formal. Well, I was asked by the
Provincial Government and the railroad to find the best way of
developing the alkali wastes, and the subject is extraordinarily
interesting. If I can solve the problem, it will make important changes
in our irrigation system and enable us to cultivate wide belts of barren
soil. However, I must have help and want a lady who can take the charge
of my correspondence with scientific people and assist in my
experiments. After talking to Miss Southern, I feel I can offer you the
post."

Agatha thrilled, but used some self-control.

"But you might not need me long, and I must give up the school."

He smiled. "If you wished to resume teaching, I daresay your having
helped in my investigations would be an advantage."

"Then do you expect me to help much in that way?" Agatha asked with
growing excitement