“You think, then, that I should find you an agreeable companion?”
“My dear Mr. Cunningham, may I say Walter, give me a week and we should be like Damon and Pythias.”
“I suppose this boy Bernard was an attractive boy?”
“Very much so. Of course he had his faults—most boys have—but as long as he gave me his affection I was willing to overlook them.”
“That was very kind in you. I am afraid I have faults, too.”
“Very few, I am sure, Walter—excuse me, Mr. Cunningham.”
“Can you give me an idea of what you would regard as a satisfactory salary in case I engaged you?”
The professor brightened up. This looked encouraging.
“At Harvard I was paid three thousand dollars a year,” he said, “but then my duties were arduous. I instructed a large junior class, and gave lectures weekly to the seniors.”
“I hope you wouldn’t feel inclined to lecture me, professor.”