‘My sister, and myself,’ said James Gillan, quietly, ‘have had a wandering life, and an unsettled education, from which we have gathered such knowledge as we could. My father was a man of talent, I may say of many talents, but he did not meet with steady professional success; and I know that he regretted his inability to give us as much instruction as he wished. I think I may say, for my sister and myself, that we would like a less unsettled and securer life; but it is not yet a year since the death of both our parents, and we have not had time to find employment for ourselves. If you, being a relation, could give us any assistance, you may be certain at least of our gratitude.’ He spoke with the smile that disarms hostility giving pleasant lines to his lips, though it scarcely touched his eyes--the rarely lifted eyes which, being blue in colour, had more distinct beauty than any other feature in his face. Mr Lee was not insensible to the charm of glance and smile, but he was also aware that he did not know their meaning yet. ‘Oh, ah, industrious!’ he said, not without sarcasm, with the raillery, rough if not rude, that was peculiar to him; ‘you would make me into an office or a registry, to find you places that you may go an’ work. That’s very fine; I’m glad of that sort o’ spirit, it isn’t too common in these idle days. But tell me, nephy, an’ speak for my niece as well, is that all that ye think ye may expect from me?’ Before his keen glance the young man’s eyelids fell; but that discomfiture was only momentary, and with renewed assurance he raised his eyes again. A fine tact, a tact that is not common in the world, can make even an essentially timid nature brave at times, for it is able to be aware of the fitting moment when secret purposes may be helped by honesty. If James Gillan were open-hearted his countenance belied him, but at this moment his words were direct enough. ‘I think, sir,’ he said, with a little hesitation, but not more than was natural in so young a man, ‘I think .... if you ask me .... that I must reply that if we cannot expect we yet might hope for more.’ And then, feeling rather than seeing his uncle’s gaze upon him, he went on with resolution, although his colour rose; ‘We have no parents .... I believe you have no children .... there are many ways in which you might do well by us.’ The sense of his daring almost stopped his breath--on the issue of those few words he had staked his future.