Owen Rivers, arriving punctually, was shown into Mr. Bragg's private room. There he was greeted with the invariable grave, "How do you do, Mr. Rivers?" And then, after a moment, Mr. Bragg added, "So you've got over punctual. I thought you _might_ manage without an extra day in Paris. But you must have put your shoulder to the wheel to do it." A speech expressive, in Mr. Bragg's mouth, of very marked approbation. Then Owen proceeded to report what he had done in Paris, and to lay letters and papers before Mr. Bragg; and for some time they attended to various matters of business. When these were over, Owen said-- "When could I speak to you about some affairs of my own?" "Well, now, p'raps; if you don't want to be long." "Half an hour?" Mr. Bragg looked at his watch, nodded, and, leaning his head on his hand, prepared to listen with quiet attention. Owen began by saying that he was inclined towards remaining in England rather than accepting the opportunity of going abroad; whereat Mr. Bragg looked thoughtful, but waited to hear him out without interruption. Then Owen went on to speak of Mrs. Bransby and her altered circumstances, and of his wish and intention to assist and stand by her. When he ceased Mr. Bragg, having heard him with careful attention, said-- "The first point to be considered is your own position. Concerning the situation we spoke of, I think I can promise to keep you on as my--what you might call _business_ secretary. As to a private secretary, I don't have much private correspondence, and what I have, I can pretty well manage myself. I should expect you to take a journey now and then into foreign parts if necessary. Terms as before. But I tell you frankly, I see no immediate prospect of a rise for you. If you went to Buenos Ayres you might have a chance--only a chance, of course--of getting into something on your own account. One 'ud be steady as far as it went; the other 'ud be like what you might call a throw of the dice at backgammon--chance _and_ play. It's for you to choose. With regard to Mrs. Bransby, I--of course----Look here, Mr. Rivers, I'm a deal older than you--old enough to be your father--and I should like to give you a little word of advice, if I could do it without offence." "I shall take it gratefully, Mr. Bragg, whether I act upon it or not."