"Dear Sir,
"I venture to offer myself for the post of your secretary during the journey you propose making to Spain.
"My qualifications are—Honesty; a fair knowledge of the Spanish language; and considerable experience of travelling in Spain, where I have made two long tours on foot. Perhaps I ought to add to these good health, and willingness to be useful. My disadvantages are—Ignorance of the forms of mercantile correspondence, and inexperience of the duties of a secretary. I believe I could learn both very quickly.
"I have hitherto been a man without occupation. I am now anxious to have one by which I can earn money. Should you, on inquiry and consideration, think I could honestly earn some as your secretary, I should be grateful if you would give me a trial.
"I am ready to wait on you at your office, or elsewhere, in case you wish for an interview, and remain,
"Dear Sir,
"Yours truly,
"Owen Rivers."
The following afternoon Owen was summoned to see Mr. Bragg at his office. The old house in Friar's Row had been painted and varnished inside and out. Plate glass glittered in the window panes, and elaborate brass handles shone on the doors. Owen had never been in the house during the days of Mrs. Dobbs's occupation. But he knew that May had spent much of her childhood there; and he looked round the private room into which he was shown with a tender glance such as probably never before rested on those mahogany office fittings, morocco-covered chairs, and neatly ranged account-books.
Mr. Bragg was sitting at a writing-table, and held out his hand without rising, when Owen entered.
"Sit down, Mr. Rivers," he said, pointing to a chair opposite to his own, on the other side of the table.
Owen sat down, and remained waiting in silence.
"Well, so you think you'd like to go to Spain with me?" said Mr. Bragg, slowly rubbing his chin, and looking thoughtfully at the young man.
"I should like to get work to do, Mr. Bragg. I don't care much where it is. But it struck me that I might be useful to you in Spain."
"Ah! Well, I was surprised at your letter."
"Nothing in it that you object to, I hope?"
"Oh no. Oh dear, no. Only I didn't know you was in want of employment. And I should have thought——"