me an opportunity,' added he, with a winning smile.

'You have not many qualifications,' said Madame, shortly, angry with
herself for so taking to this young man's suave manner.

'Probably not,' retorted Vandeloup, with a cynical smile. 'I fancy
it will be more a case of charity than anything else, as we are
starving.'

Madame started, while Archie murmured 'Puir deils.'

'Surely not as bad as that?' observed Mrs Villiers, in a softer
tone.

'Why not?' retorted the Frenchman, carelessly. 'Manna does not fall
from heaven as in the days of Moses. We are strangers in a strange
land, and it is hard to obtain employment. My companion Pierre can
work in your mine, and if you will take me on I can keep your
books'--with a sudden glance at a file of papers on the table.

'Thank you, I keep my own books,' replied Madame, shortly. 'What do
you say to engaging them, Archie?'

'We ma gie them a try,' said McIntosh, cautiously. 'Ye do need a
figger man, as I tauld ye, and the dour deil can wark i' the claim.'

Madame drew a long breath, and then made up her mind.

'Very well,' she said, sharply; 'you are engaged, M. Vandeloup, as
my clerk, and your companion can work in the mine. As to wages and