"I hope that is not a serious objection," I remarked, "for I see no way to overcome it at present. I want this considered as a business matter--in a way. I should pay a regular salary, and give you the best of travelling accommodations. I am only twenty-four, and you wrote me that you are twenty-two, but I cannot understand how the addition of fifty years to either of those ages would make my proposition more agreeable." She bowed again, still pleasantly, and inquired what sort of work I was engaged on. I told her, after which she asked what machine I preferred to use. This I left to her, although I mentioned that I owned a Hammond, which had the advantage of being more easily carried than some. She said she had never used that machine, but could easily learn. "Only give me three or four days alone with it," she smiled. "And now, as these things must all be settled, what salary do you wish to pay?" I wonder what salary I would not have paid, at that moment, rather than hear her decline the position on the ground that it was insufficient, but I realized that I must not seem over-anxious. "I would prefer you to name the price," I replied, "I do not think we shall quarrel on that score." "When do you wish me to leave the city?" was her question. "I have already engaged berths in the 'Madiana,' of the Quebec SS. Line, which will leave her dock on the North River, Jan. 12th next." "Berths? You have engaged two?" "It was necessary to secure them. I have determined that I will not go alone. The list is filling up and I had to put down the names." "What names?" she asked. "You can hardly have given them mine." I was getting more and more at my ease. I said I had registered for "self and friend," with the understanding that the "friend" would be a lady. "Ah!" she said. "Now, how do you intend that I shall travel--if it is decided that I am to go?" She did not redden as she asked the question, and I do not know why I did. "As my cousin," I answered. "It is my belief, Miss May," I added, "that you will find this journey very charming, if you go about it right. To be registered simply as my secretary, which will come as near as anything to the fact, or not to be given any title at all, might arouse silly gossip among the other passengers. A relationship of the kind I suggest will still idle tongues and make your position more agreeable." She thought a little while and then said, suddenly: "You--you are not married, I suppose?" "Not in the least," I replied, smiling. "There is hardly time for much preparation," was her next observation. "What kind of clothing should I need?"