“I have been thinking, Mr. Brooke, that my duties as private secretary are not very laborious.”
“True, Gerald,” answered the tourist smiling. “In fact I have no use for a private secretary as such, but I wanted a companion, and you are worth more to me in that capacity than a college graduate whose acquirements would be much greater.”
“But, Mr. Brooke, it doesn’t seem to me that I am earning the very liberal salary you are paying me.”
“Not perhaps by your labors as secretary, but your company I rate higher than this.”
“Thank you, Mr. Brooke,” said Gerald, gratified by this evidence of appreciation.
“So that you needn’t feel any compunction at accepting your salary.”
“I know you mean what you say, and I shall hereafter feel easy on that score. I wonder what would have been my future if you had not made your appearance.”
“You would have got along somehow. You are a clever boy, one of those that get on. There is one thing I reproach myself for, however.”
“What is that, Mr. Brooke?”