"Well then, you must come and have a glass of wine to restore you." During the progress of the luncheon, Kate learned many particulars, as to the usual rates of remuneration, &c.; and was surprised to find it so low. "As a beginner you can hardly hope to get much," said Hermann, who was devouring veal pie and pickled cabbage, with great appetite; "but I hope to be of use to you here too; I will try to get you the best terms I can, and you will agree to whatever I arrange?" "Of course; you are most kind, my dear sir; but how soon do you think you will be able to get me some pupils?" "We shall see--we shall see--you must not be in a hurry; and Gertrude, give me that portfolio. Here," said he, "here is a simple air, harmonise it in four parts, at your leisure, and enclose it to me, that will show me what you know of theory; if you would consent to play and sing at private concerts, you might make a very good thing of it; and with your figure and face, I--" "Hush, hush," cried Kate, with an involuntary action, and holding up her hand, as if to repel by physical force, the idea suggested by Herman, "it is useless to mention such a plan." "Well well, as you like--but it is the pleasantest and most lucrative line by far; and now, dear lady, I must run away--I am beyond my time, and the old Duchess of L---- is as sharp as a needle about a minute more or less of the lesson. God bless you--write your address in my book, I might lose your note--you are a pupil I may well be proud of. Good bye," and he bustled off. After a few more civil words with Miss Herman; and writing her name and address in the book, Herman kept for the purpose, Kate took her leave. "I hope to have the pleasure of calling on you," said Miss Herman. "I shall be most happy to see you, and to introduce you to grandpapa." "If I do not call soon, pray excuse me, as I have many engagements. Are there any omnibusses pass near your house?" "Oh, yes, several. I think I had better take one going back--they are not very disagreeable--are they?" "Why, have you never been in an omnibus?" said Miss Herman, with some surprise. "Never as yet." And (nurse having appeared from the lower regions,) Kate shook hands once more with her lively, good-humoured, new acquaintance, and departed in high spirits at the result of her visit. "I am very tired, nurse, and I am sure so are you." "Is it tired, Miss Kate? not a bit iv it; sure was'nt I aitin the best iv cauld beef, an' dhrinkin' the best iv ale, down in the house-keeper's parlour, they seem mighty nice kind of people, an' there was wan of thim with the quarest cap." "There, dear nurse, call that omnibus." "Och, sure, Miss Kate, ye would'nt be afther goin' into wan iv the like iv thim; its nothin's but the counter-jumpers goes in thim."