Certainly this applicant
was not at all the sort of man he had expected to apply for the place,
in answer to his advertisement. That he was evidently a gentleman was
far from an advantage, but the fact that he could speak the languages
would add much to his value.

"Can you give me references?" he said, at last.

"I cannot, sir. I should not like to apply to any of my friends, in
such a matter. I must ask you to take me on trust. Frankly, I have
quarrelled with my family, and have to strike out for myself. Were it
not for my wife's health, I could earn my living; but I am told it is
essential that she should go to a warm climate, and as I see no other
way of accomplishing this, I have applied for this situation, hoping
that my knowledge of the language, and my readiness to perform whatever
duties I may be required to do, might induce you to give me a trial."

"And you would, if necessary--say, in the case of illness of one of my
clerks--be ready to help in the office?"

"Certainly, sir."

"Will you call again, in half an hour? I will give you an answer,
then."

By the time Gregory returned, the merchant's mind was made up. He had
come to the conclusion that the story he had heard was a true one. The
way it had been told was convincing. The man was undoubtedly a
gentleman. There was no mistake in his manner and talk. He had
quarrelled with his family, probably over his marriage; and, as so many
had done, found it difficult to keep his head above water. His wife had
been ordered to a warm climate, and he was ready to do anything that
would enable him to keep her there.

It would assuredly be a great advantage to have one who could act, in
an emergency, as a clerk; of course, his knowledge of language would
greatly add to his utility. It certainly was not business to take a man
without a reference, but the advantages more than counterbalanced the
disadvantages. It was not likely that he would stay with him long; but
at any rate, the fact that he was taking his wife with him would ensure
his staying, until he saw something a great deal better elsewhere.

When Gregory returned, therefore, he said:

"I have been thinking this matter over. What is your name?"

"Gregory Hilliard, sir."

"Well, I have been thinking it over, and I have decided to engage you.
I quite believe the story that you have told me, and your appearance
fully carries it out. You may consider the matter settled. I am willing
to pay for a secon