"How are you getting on now?"
"Very well."
"So well that you wouldn't like a change?"
Nicholas threw a startled look upon him. His pulse beat swiftly, and his skin burned. By these physical reactions he realised the fluttering of his hopes.
"A change!" he said slowly, holding himself in hand. "Yes, I—should—like a change."
The judge sipped his julep, breathing with enjoyment the strong fragrance of the mint.
"I have just seen my friend, Professor Hartwell, of the University," he said, "and he mentioned to me that in the work of compiling his law-book he found great need of a secretary. It at once occurred to me that it was a suitable opening for you, and I ventured to suggest as much to him—"
He paused an instant, gazing thoughtfully into his glass.
"And he?" urged Nicholas hurriedly.
"He would like some correspondence with you, I believe; but, if the prospect pleases you, and you would care to undertake the work—"