look down on you for
only knowing the towns on the great railways of Europe and America, and
the steamer routes of the world."

"She might. But I don't think she's like that, though, of course, with
a girl you never can tell. I think it's more likely she would want to
teach me where they are. But she ought to be educated, and I must
chance it."

"Well, if you ought, you must," said Sir Tancred. "But one thing I do
beg of you; do not have her taught the piano--the barrel-organ if you
like, but not the piano."

"No; I won't. A piano would be so awkward to move about--it would want
a van to itself."

"I was thinking, rather, of the peculiar noises it makes in the hands
of the inexperienced," said Sir Tancred.

"I know," said Tinker in a tone of genuine sympathy.

Tinker went to Elsie, whom he had left in the gardens of the Casino,
and told her that his father had given him leave to get her a
governess. On hearing that the matter was so near accomplishment, her
face fell, and she said, "Don't--don't you think I ought to help choose
her?"

"It wouldn't be regular," said Tinker firmly.

After dejeuner he caught a train to Nice, and went straight to Madame
Butler, that stay of those who seek maids, companions, nurses, or
governesses on the Riviera. He sent in his card, and was straightway
ushered into the office where she received her clients. She was
sitting at a desk, and by one of the windows sat a very pretty young
lady, who looked as if she were waiting to interview a possible
employee. A certain surprise showed itself on the face of Madame
Butler at the sight of Tinker; she had plainly expected a client of
more mature years.

Tinker bowed, and sat down in the chair by the desk in which clients
sat and set forth their needs.

"You wished to see me--on business?" said Madame Butler with some
hesitation.

"Yes," said Tinker. "I want a governess for my sister--my adopted
sister. I'm responsible for her, and I've decided that she must be
educated. I told my father, Sir Tancred Beauleigh, and he gave me
leave to get her a governess. So I came to you."

"Yes," said Madame Butler, smiling, "and what kind of a governess do
you want?"

The pretty young lady, who had been regarding Tinker with smiling
interest, turned away with the proper delicacy, and looked out of the
window.

Tinker's face wore a very serious, almost anxious, air. "I've worked
it out carefully," he said. "Elsie's ten years ol