"That would not be necessary, madam, I assure you," murmured Mr. Smith
gravely.

"But how do you get money to live on? I mean, how am I to know that
I'll get my pay?" she persisted. "Excuse me, but that kind of business
doesn't sound very good-paying; and, you see, I don't know you. And in
these days--" An expressive pause finished her sentence.

Mr. Smith smiled.

"Quite right, madam. You are wise to be cautious. I had a letter of
introduction to your brother from Mr. Robert Chalmers. I think he will
vouch for me. Will that do?"

"Oh, that's all right, then. But that isn't saying how MUCH you'll
pay. Now, I think--"

There came a sharp knock at the outer door. The eager Benny jumped to
his feet, but his aunt shook her head and went to the door herself.
There was a murmur of voices, then a young man entered the hall and
sat down in the chair near the hatrack. When Mrs. Blaisdell returned
her eyes were very bright. Her cheeks showed two little red spots. She
carried herself with manifest importance.

"If you'll just excuse me a minute," she apologized to Mr. Smith, as
she swept by him and opened a door across the room, nearly closing it
behind her.

Distinctly then, from beyond the imperfectly closed door, came to the
ears of Benny and Mr. Smith these words, in Mrs. Blaisdell's most