"When I went to the house I told Anita I had engaged a man.
"'I am glad,' said she; 'but I have just thought of something: I cannot possibly cook for a man.'
"'Oh, you won't have to do that,' I answered. 'He will live near here, just the other side of the road.'
"'That will do very well,' said she. 'I do not mind being your servant, Harold, but I cannot be a servant's servant.'"
"Do you know," said the Master of the House, "as this story goes on I feel poorer and poorer every minute—I suppose by comparison. In fact, I do not know that I can afford to light another cigar. But one thought comforts me," he continued: "if I had been living in that cot with my wife I would not have had the stomach-ache; so that balances things somewhat."
The lady smiled.
"The next morning a little after eight o'clock I came down to open the house, and there, standing by the porch, hat in hand, I saw Isadore. He was a middle-aged man, large and solid, with very flat feet and a smoothly shaven face, twinkling eyes, and a benevolent smile. I was very glad to see him, especially before breakfast. I took him away from the house, so that Anita might not overhear our conversation, and then I laid the whole case before him. He was an Alsatian, but his English was perfectly easy to understand.
"'I know precisely what it is that is wanted,' said he, 'and Mr. Baxter has made the arrangements with me. It is that madame shall not suppose anything, but that what she wishes to be done shall be done.'
"'That is the idea,' said I. 'Don't interfere with her, but have everything done all right.'
"'And I am to be man of all work. I like that. You shall see that I am charmed. Now I will go and change my clothes.' And this well-dressed man turned away toward Baldwin's tent.