"Good heavens, I don't have to rent them with the house, do I?" exclaimed the other frivolously. The real estate agent colored, probably from annoyance. "No, Mr. Crane," he answered proudly, "you do not, as far as I know, have to do anything you do not wish to do. What I was about to say was that the children have no authority to alter the price determined by their parents. To my mind, however, it is not a question of absolute value. There is no doubt that you can find newer and more conveniently appointed houses in the hunting district--certainly cheaper ones, if price be such an object. But the Revelly family--one of the most aristocratic families south of Mason and Dixon's, sir--would not be induced to consider renting under the sum originally named." "It's pretty steep," said the young man, but his mild tone already betrayed him. "And how about servants?" "Ah," said Reed, looking particularly mask-like, "servants! That has been the great difficulty. To guarantee domestic service that will satisfy your difficult Northern standards--" "I am fussy about only two things," said Crane, "cooking and boots. Must have my boots properly done." "If you could have brought your own valet--" "But I told you he has typhoid fever. Now, see here, Mr. Reed, there really isn't any use wasting my time and yours. If you have not been able to get me a staff of servants with the house, I wouldn't dream of taking it. I thought we had made that clear." Reed waved his impatient client again to his chair. "There are at this moment four well-recommended servants yonder in the back office, waiting to be interviewed." "By me?" exclaimed Crane, looking slightly alarmed. Reed bowed. "I wish first, however," he went on, "to say a word or two about them. I obtained them with the greatest difficulty, from the Crosslett-Billingtons, of whom you have doubtless often heard." "Never in my life," said Crane. Reed raised his eyebrows. "He is one of our most distinguished citizens. His collection of tapestry, his villa at Capri--Ah, well, but that is immaterial! The family is now abroad, and has in consequence consented, as a personal favor to me, to allow you to take over four of their servants for the six weeks you will be here, but not a minute longer." Crane leaned back and blew smoke in the air. "Are they any good?" he asked. "You must judge for yourself." "No, you must tell me." "The butler is a competent person; the skill of the cook is a proverb--but we had better have them come in and speak to you themselves." "No, by Jove!" cried Crane, springing to his feet. "I don't think I could stand that." And he incontinently rushed from the office to the motor, where three mummy-like figures on the back seat had remained immovable during his absence. Of these, two were female and one male. To the elder of the women, Crane applied, hat in hand.