Austin then went into details. Lord Overton wanted a man of education--a gentleman--one who could ride and shoot and make others work. He would have to superintend the planting and the cutting and the transportation of timber, and act as agent for the various farms Lord Overton possessed in the wide district. The salary would be £700 a year. The late superintendent had suddenly died, and Lord Overton wanted a man to go out at once and fill his place. If only he had thought of Dick! "But you're thinking of him now. It can't be too late--men with such qualifications aren't picked up at every street corner." "That's quite true," said Austin. "And as for my recommendation," he added in his confident way, "Lord Overton and I are on such terms that he would not hesitate to give the appointment to a brother of mine. I'll write at once." "And we'll say nothing to Dick until we've got it all in black and white." "Not a word," said he. Then they burst out laughing like happy conspirators, and enjoyed beforehand the success of their plot. "The old place will be very strange without him," said Austin. A shadow passed over Viviette's bright face. The manor-house would indeed be very lonely. Her occupation as Dick's liege lady, confidante, and tormentor would be gone. Parting from him would be a wrench. There would be a dreadful scene at the last moment, in which he would want to hold her tight in his arms and make her promise to join him in Vancouver. She shivered a little; then tossed her head as if to throw off the disturbing thoughts. "Don't let us look at the dismal side of things. It's selfish. All we want is Dick's happiness." She glanced at the clock and started up. "It's midnight. If Katherine knew I was here she would lecture me." "It's nothing very dreadful," he laughed. "Nor is Katherine's lecture." "I call her Saint Nitouche--but she's a great dear, isn't she? Good night." He accompanied her to the foot of the stairs and lit her candle. On the third stair she paused. "Remember--in all this it's I who am the fairy godmother." "And I," said Austin, "am nothing but the fairy godmother's humble and devoted factotum." He took the hand which she extended and, bending over it, kissed it gallantly. Then by unhappy chance out came Dick from the armoury, and beheld the spectacle which robbed him of his peace of mind.