arles, the editor of the _Watchman_ had mentioned that he was on the
lookout for a smart young journalist as assistant editor of that weekly
review. He had spoken to him of Mr. Charles, and he now wrote to say
that if the latter would run up to town and see Mr. Godfrey Pilkington,
the gentleman in question, he might "pull off" the job. It would be
worth L350 a year, he fancied.

Good news, indeed. At the magic touch of "London" Henry's doubts were
dissipated. They had existed only while the prospect still seemed to be
uncertain. He would have preferred an editorship; but an assistant in
London was (he imagined) as good as any editor in the provinces.

"You know the _Watchman_, I suppose?" said Mr. P., who had closely
observed the young editor's delighted expression while reading the
letter.

"Know it? I should think I do," he answered, with his old buoyancy of
spirit. "A perfect production, the best of all the sixpenny weeklies,
although it is the youngest. How can I thank you?"

"Not so fast; you've still 'to pull it off,' as Swainton says. All that
I have done has been to open the door for you."

"But isn't that everything?"

"Almost, but not quite. If Henry Charles is found 'as advertised,' all
will be well. Something, you see, depends on yourself."

"Get it or not, I'm eternally your debtor. Anyhow, my varied experience
should be of value, though they usually hanker after university chaps on
these weekly reviews. But the _Watchman_ is a rare old Tory, and here
I'm shrieking Radicalism at five pound a week."

"Don't let that disturb you. I fancy your politics are of no importance.
It's your journalistic knowledge that's wanted. To make up the paper,
arrange the book reviews, write some of them--the paragraphs and so
forth. Pilkington is a society fellow who takes life easily, and wants a
competent sub. That's about the situation, I should say. I believe Lord
Dingleton finances the paper as a hobby."

"In any case, it would mean a footing in London, and that is all I
want."

"I am confident you'll suit, and although I advise you not to build too
much on London, I believe it's worth having a try at--if only to knock
on the head your romantic notions of life there. When will you go?"

"To-morrow; first train; back in the evening. Nobody the wiser if it
doesn't come off."

But it did; and for good or ill, with scarce a thought of Flo, Henry
returned to Laysford engaged as assistant-editor of the _Watchman_,