heard you say that you came from London?"

"I do come from London," answered Mr. Deedes; "_I_ am Cockney born and
bred. I came direct from London to Windermere. But why do you ask?"

"Simply, sir, because they are in want of a footman at Bon Repos, to
fill up the place of one who has gone away to get married. Mossoo
Platzoff don't like advertising for servants, and Mr. Cleon is at a loss
where to find a fellow that can wait at table and has some manners about
him. You see sir, the country louts about here are neither useful nor
ornamental in a gentleman's house. Now, sir, it struck me that among
your friends you might perhaps know some gentleman who would be glad to
recommend a respectable man for such a place. Must have a good character
from his last situation, and be able to wait at table; and I hope, sir,
you will pardon the liberty I've taken in mentioning it to you."

Mr. Deedes was holding up a glass of wine to the light as the landlord
brought his little speech to a close. He sipped the wine slowly, with
his eyes bent on the floor; then he put down the glass and rubbed his
hands softly one within the other. Then he spoke.

"It happens, singularly enough," he said, "that a particular friend of
mine--Mr. Madgin, a gentleman, I daresay, whose name you have never
heard--spoke to me only three weeks ago about one of his people for whom
he was desirous of obtaining another situation, he himself being about
to break up his establishment and go to reside on the Continent. I will
write Mr. Madgin to-night, and if the young man has not engaged himself,
I will ask my friend to send him down here. He will have a first-class
testimonial, and I have no doubt he would suit M. Platzoff admirably. I
am obliged to you, landlord, for mentioning this matter to me."