They received him with perfect politeness. Thus introduced, and as he
was not one to let the grass grow under his feet, he soon obtained a
footing as friend of the family, which, being now advised by Josephine,
he took care not to compromise by making love to Rose before the
baroness. However, he insisted on placing his financial talent at their
service. He surveyed and valued their lands, and soon discovered that
all their farms were grossly underlet. Luckily most of the leases were
run out. He prepared a new rent roll, and showed it Aubertin, now his
fast friend. Aubertin at his request obtained a list of the mortgages,
and Edouard drew a balance-sheet founded on sure data, and proved to the
baroness that in able hands the said estate was now solvent.

This was a great comfort to the old lady: and she said to Aubertin,
"Heaven has sent us a champion, a little republican--with the face of an
angel."

Descending to practice, Edouard actually put three of the farms into
the market, and let them at an advance of twenty per cent on the expired
leases. He brought these leases signed; and the baroness had scarcely
done thanking him, when her other secret friend, Monsieur Perrin, was
announced. Edouard exchanged civilities with him, and then retired to
the Pleasaunce. There he found both sisters, who were all tenderness and
gratitude to him. By this time he had learned to value Josephine: she
was so lovely and so good, and such a true womanly friend to him. Even
Rose could not resist her influence, and was obliged to be kind to him,
when Josephine was by. But let Josephine go, and instead of her being
more tender, as any other girl would, left alone with her lover,
sauciness resumed its empire till sweet Josephine returned. Whereof
cometh an example; for the said Josephine was summoned to a final
conference with the baroness and Monsieur Perrin.