I took a seat, and he vanished into the inner office. Presently he reappeared smiling.
"Lucky thing I noticed the postmark of this letter," he remarked. "Strikes me it's just what you want. Listen," and he read it out:
"'Devereux Court, Yorkshire.
"'Colonel Sir Francis Devereux——"
"Hullo! what's the matter with you?" he broke off suddenly.
I mastered myself with a quick effort.
"I'm all right," I answered, a little hoarsely. "It's a trifle hot in here, that's all. Go on."
He began again—
"'Colonel Sir Francis Devereux is in want of a young man to act under his present agent and collaborate with him in the management of his estate. Applicant must have some knowledge of farming and surveying, and must be a gentleman. Credentials and unexceptionable references required. Salary £250 a year and a cottage, rent free.'
"There, Mr. Arbuthnot, how would that do for you?"