“I think you will do,” he said,--and her heart gave a quick throb of relief which, unconsciously to herself, suffused her pale face with a flush of happiness--“I think I shall find in you obedience, care, and loyalty. But there is yet an important point to consider,--do you, in your turn, think you can put up with _me_? I am very masterful, not to say obstinate; I will have no ‘scamp’ work,--I am often very impatient, and I can be extremely disagreeable. You must take all this well into your consideration, for I am perfectly honest with you when I say I am not easy to serve. And remember!”--here he drew a few steps closer to her and looked her full in the eyes--“the experiments on which I am engaged are highly dangerous,--and, as I stated in my advertisement, you must not be ‘afraid to take risks,’--for if you agree to assist me in the testing of certain problems in chemistry, it may cost you your very life!” She smiled. “It’s very kind of you to prepare me for all the difficulties and dangers of my way,” she said. “And I thank you! But I have no fear. There is really nothing to be afraid of,--one can but die once. If you will take me, I’ll do my faithful best to obey your instructions in every particular, and so far as is humanly possible, you shall have nothing to complain of.” He still bent his eyes searchingly upon her. “You have a good nerve?” “I think so.” “You must be sure of that! My laboratory is not a place for hesitation, qualms, or terrors,” he said. “The most amazing manifestations occur there sometimes----” “I have said I am not afraid,” interrupted Diana, with a touch of pride. “If you doubt my word, let me go,--but if you are disposed to engage me, please accept me at my own valuation.” He laughed, and his face lightened with kindliness and humour. “I like that!” he said. “I see you have some spirit! Good! Now, to business. I have made up my mind that you will suit me,--and you have also apparently made up your mind that _I_ shall suit _you_. Very well. Your salary with me will be a thousand a year----” Diana uttered a little cry. “A thou--a thousand a year!” she ejaculated. “Oh, you mean a thousand francs?” “No, I don’t. I mean a thousand good British pounds sterling,--the risks you will run in working with me are quite worth that. You will have your own suite of rooms and your own special hours of leisure for private reading and study, and all your meals will be supplied, though we should like you to share them with us at our table, if you have no objection. And when you are not at work, or otherwise engaged, I should be personally very much obliged if you would be kind and companionable to my mother.” Diana could scarcely speak; she was overwhelmed by what she considered the munificence and generosity of his offer. “You are too good,” she faltered. “You wish to give me more than my abilities merit----”