‘She is, indeed, a handsome woman,’ he observed, mentally; ‘my lines will fall in pleasant places, if I remain here.’ Mrs Villiers rather liked the looks of this young man; there was a certain fascination about him which few women could resist, and Madame, although steeled to a considerable extent by experience, was yet a woman. His companion, however, she did not care about--he had a sullen and lowering countenance, and looked rather dangerous. ‘What is your name?’ she asked the young man. ‘Gaston Vandeloup.’ ‘You are a gentleman?’ He bowed, but said nothing. ‘And you?’ asked Madame, sharply turning to the other. He looked up and touched his mouth. ‘Pardon him not answering, Madame,’ interposed Vandeloup, ‘he has the misfortune to be dumb.’ ‘Dumb?’ echoed Madame, with a glance of commiseration, while Archie looked startled, and Selina mentally observed that silence was golden. ‘Yes, he has been so from his birth,--at least, so he gives me to understand,’ said Gaston, with a shrug of his shoulders, which insinuated a doubt on the subject; ‘but it’s more likely the result of an accident, for he can hear though he cannot speak. However, he is strong and willing to work; and I also, if you will kindly give me an opportunity,’ added he, with a winning smile. ‘You have not many qualifications,’ said Madame, shortly, angry with herself for so taking to this young man’s suave manner. ‘Probably not,’ retorted Vandeloup, with a cynical smile. ‘I fancy it will be more a case of charity than anything else, as we are starving.’ Madame started, while Archie murmured ‘Puir deils.’ ‘Surely not as bad as that?’ observed Mrs Villiers, in a softer tone. ‘Why not?’ retorted the Frenchman, carelessly. ‘Manna does not fall from heaven as in the days of Moses. We are strangers in a strange land, and it is hard to obtain employment. My companion Pierre can work in your mine, and if you will take me on I can keep your books’--with a sudden glance at a file of papers on the table. ‘Thank you, I keep my own books,’ replied Madame, shortly. ‘What do you say to engaging them, Archie?’ ‘We ma gie them a try,’ said McIntosh, cautiously. ‘Ye do need a figger man, as I tauld ye, and the dour deil can wark i’ the claim.’ Madame drew a long breath, and then made up her mind. ‘Very well,’ she said, sharply; ‘you are engaged, M. Vandeloup, as my clerk, and your companion can work in the mine. As to wages and all that, we will settle to-morrow, but I think you will find everything satisfactory.’ ‘I am sure of that, Madame,’ returned Vandeloup, with a bow. ‘And now,’ said Madame Midas, graciously, relaxing somewhat now that business was over, ‘you had better have some supper.’ Pierre’s face lighted up when he heard this invitation, and Vandeloup bowed politely. ‘You are very kind,’ he said, looking at Mrs Villiers in a friendly manner; ‘supper is rather a novelty to both of us.’