berality, but he was of opinion that his new client would find nothing
either excessive or dishonourable in the terms; and he repeated these
two words with emphasis, as though he desired to commit himself to
nothing more.

Francis asked their nature.

"The conditions," said the Writer to the Signet, "are, as I have twice
remarked, neither dishonourable nor excessive. At the same time I cannot
conceal from you that they are most unusual. Indeed, the whole case is
very much out of our way; and I should certainly have refused it had it
not been for the reputation of the gentleman who entrusted it to my
care, and, let me add, Mr. Scrymgeour, the interest I have been led to
take in yourself by many complimentary and, I have no doubt,
well-deserved reports."

Francis entreated him to be more specific.

"You cannot picture my uneasiness as to these conditions," he said.

"They are two," replied the lawyer, "only two; and the sum, as you will
remember, is five hundred a year--and unburdened, I forgot to add,
unburdened."

And the lawyer raised his eyebrows at him with solemn gusto.

"The first," he resumed, "is of remarkable simplicity. You must be in
Paris by the afternoon of Sunday, the 15th; there you will find, at the
box-office of the Comedie Francaise a ticket for admission taken in your
name and waiting you. You are requested to sit out the whole performance
in the seat provided, and that is all."

"I should certainly have preferred a week-day," replied Francis. "But,
after all, once in a way--"

"And in Paris, my dear sir," added the lawyer soothingly. "I believe I
am something of a precisian myself, but upon such a consideration, and
in Paris, I should not hesitate an instant."

And the pair laughed pleasantly together.

"The other is of more importance," continued the Writer to the Signet.
"It regards your marriage. My client, taking a deep interest in your
welfare, desires to advise you absolutely in the choice of a wife.
Absolutely, you understand," he repeated.

"Let us be more explicit, if you please," returned Francis. "Am I to
marry any one, maid or widow, black or white, whom this invisible
person chooses to propose?"

"I was to assure you that suitability of age and position should be a
principle with your benefactor," replied the lawyer. "As to race, I
confess the difficulty had not occurred to me, and I failed to inquire;
but if you like I will make a note of it at once, and advise you on the