"Why should a man of your ability go twice a week in an omnibus to a shabby studio, in hopes of making a few pounds a year by copying? Because you're hard up. Why should you be so hard up? I met you once going there, and thought how hard it was. It is dreadful to be hard up.... This is what I propose. I can easily obtain for you a post in connection with my bank. The salary to begin with will be two thousand pounds a year. In Athens." "Athens!" "I propose that you try it for a year. During that year I will not see the lady. I will efface myself. If at the end of that time you both still feel the same I shall give up for ever my own wish. You can have a similar post then in London." "Mr. Ridokanaki, you are too kind. But why, _why_ should you?" "Because I hate to see you near her. If your attachment for each other is the real thing it will stand this separation. Then I shall sink my own feelings. Of course, you see I mean it." "Thank you," said Woodville, rather touched, and hesitating. "Please understand," continued Ridokanaki, "that I don't hope for one _moment_ there is in any case a chance for me. It's chiefly," he said markedly, "to spare me a year's torture. I can't stand your being in the same house with her. It kills me. I'll try, then, when you've given me this chance, to turn into a friend, a godfather!" He poured out some old brandy and drank it. Woodville changed colour. "They speak of me as a Don Juan, I believe, but I'm really much more of a Don Quixote. If you spare me this year I'll do anything to help you both." He tapped the liqueur-glass on the table nervously, and went on. "I have got this very badly. Very badly. Oh very." "_How_ can I accept from you----" "You gain nothing by refusing. The favour is to _me_--remember _that_. In a year you'll be in the position you are now, or worse--if you stay. If you go to Athens you will, of course, have a delightful time. You speak French; you will not have much to do. Only the sort of thing you can do easily and well. Don't you want to see different places, different things?... You are the man I have been looking for. There is some very interesting society in Athens. You would be adored there. But I know that's not what you care about." "No; I have not the 'true Hellenic spirit.' But I want to be independent. I am afraid I couldn't." "I shall keep this thing open for a month," said Ridokanaki. "Come and see me. All right.--Yes,--I must go.... You had rather write, not come and see me, eh?" "You see, I must consult----" "Of course, you want to consult some one. But, listen. _Don't_ go by women! That would be really a pity. They don't know what's good for them." He laughed a little vaguely. They both stood up. "Mr. Ridokanaki, you have been more than kind. It is difficult----" "Well, you'll think it over. Good-bye, Woodville."