qualifications aren't picked up at every street corner."

"That's quite true," said Austin. "And as for my recommendation," he
added in his confident way, "Lord Overton and I are on such terms that
he would not hesitate to give the appointment to a brother of mine. I'll
write at once."

"And we'll say nothing to Dick until we've got it all in black and
white."

"Not a word," said he.

Then they burst out laughing like happy conspirators, and enjoyed
beforehand the success of their plot.

"The old place will be very strange without him," said Austin.

A shadow passed over Viviette's bright face. The manor-house would
indeed be very lonely. Her occupation as Dick's liege lady, confidante,
and tormentor would be gone. Parting from him would be a wrench. There
would be a dreadful scene at the last moment, in which he would want to
hold her tight in his arms and make her promise to join him in
Vancouver. She shivered a little; then tossed her head as if to throw
off the disturbing thoughts.

"Don't let us look at the dismal side of things. It's selfish. All we
want is Dick's happiness." She glanced at the clock and started up.
"It's midnight. If Katherine knew I was here she would lecture me."

"It's nothing very dreadful," he laughed. "Nor is Katherine's lecture."