"Oh!" cried Dennis, "tell me, have I offended? I would not do that for the world." "I am sure of that," replied the widow, "and I believe that you mean what you say." "Oh, I do, I do!" exclaimed Dennis impulsively; then, with a realization of the thin surface over which he was making such rapid strides despite the danger signals of conventionality, and with a diplomacy born of his native good sense, he glided, with cheerful Celtic sagacity, to safer footing by asking abruptly: "May I recommend myself"--as if he had not already done so--"for the position you offer?" "Ah!" exclaimed the widow, from whom no alternation of his mobile countenance seemed to escape, "it is your turn now; I must not receive all the honors." "Well," replied Dennis, altogether aware of the graceful courtesy of this exquisite woman, and constituted by nature, if not by past association, to accord it due appreciation, "well, there isn't much to say, but here's my outfit: "I am sorry to have to begin badly. I don't know anything about flowers. I can't tell you, even, the difference between a shamrock and a clover." "All that can be easily remedied," his listener reassured him; "but proceed." "But there's one thing I'm sure about," continued Dennis. "You can rely upon me, an' that's better." "It is, indeed," answered the widow. "I am anxious to do the best I can for myself," resumed Dennis. "I have just one way of doing it, and that is to do the best I can for others." "That is real business principle," exclaimed his companion, "and very rare. What else?" "I guess that's about all," answered Dennis, "an' it don't sound so very much, does it?" "More than you think," answered the widow. "Now listen to me: "I need such service as I hope from you very much. Would you like to come and help me here?" "Oh!" cried Dennis. "I am answered," responded his companion, "When can you come?" "At once!" cried Dennis--"or no, wait a bit; that wouldn't be fair to my present employer. But I can tell him to look out for somebody else right away; surely he can fill my place within a week. Suppose I say next Monday?" "Very well, that will suit," answered the widow; "but you have not asked me what your salary will be." Dennis blushed, and his blush was appreciated. To enjoy the genial inspiration of such an association would be a perquisite which, other things being only approximately even, would repair any possible shortage. "Will twenty dollars a week and your board satisfy you for the present?" Dennis held his breath and pictured the contrast. His present employment brought him just ten dollars and the association of a barkeeper--would it satisfy him? However, he managed to say, without too great a show of emotion: "It is more than I expected."