is leisure time, afterwards, to the business of repairing and
mounting a valuable collection of drawings, which had been suffered to
fall into a condition of total neglect.

Thirdly, That the terms offered to the person who should undertake and
properly perform these duties were four guineas a week; that he was to
reside at Limmeridge House; and that he was to be treated there on the
footing of a gentleman.

Fourthly, and lastly, That no person need think of applying for this
situation unless he could furnish the most unexceptionable references
to character and abilities. The references were to be sent to Mr.
Fairlie's friend in London, who was empowered to conclude all necessary
arrangements. These instructions were followed by the name and address
of Pesca's employer in Portland Place--and there the note, or
memorandum, ended.

The prospect which this offer of an engagement held out was certainly
an attractive one. The employment was likely to be both easy and
agreeable; it was proposed to me at the autumn time of the year when I
was least occupied; and the terms, judging by my personal experience in
my profession, were surprisingly liberal. I knew this; I knew that I
ought to consider myself very fortunate if I succeeded in securing the
offered employment--and yet, no sooner had I read the memorandum than I
felt an inexplicable unwillingness within me to stir in the matter. I
had never in the whole of my previous experience found my duty and my
inclination so painfully and so unaccountably at variance as I found
them now.

"Oh, Walter, your father never had such a chance as this!" said my
mother, when she had read the note of terms and had handed it back to
me.

"Such distinguished people to know," remarked Sarah, straightening
herself in the chair; "and on such gratifying terms of equality too!"

"Yes, yes; the terms, in every sense, are tempting enough," I replied
impatiently. "But before I send in my testimonials, I should like a
little time to consider----"

"Consider!" exclaimed my mother. "Why, Walter, what is the matter with
you?"

"Consider!" echoed my sister. "What a very extraordinary thing to say,
under the circumstances!"

"Consider!" chimed in the Professor. "What is there to consider about?
Answer me this! Have you not been complaining of your health, and have
you not been longing for what you call a smack of the country breeze?
Well! there in your hand is the paper that offers you p