"I am not only open to it, Mr. Percival, but I shall be grateful for it."
He could not help wondering what sort of employment Mr. Percival was about to offer him. He concluded that it might be a place in some business house.
"The fact is," said the old gentleman, "I have a great mind to offer you the situation of my private secretary."
Frank was astonished. This was something he had not thought of.
"Do you think I am qualified to fill such a position, Mr. Percival?" he asked, hesitatingly.
"The duties would not be difficult," returned the old gentleman. "Though not in active business, the care of my property, and looking after my scattered investments, involves me in considerable correspondence. My eyes are not as strong as they once were, and I find them at times taxed by letter-writing, not to mention reading. You can relieve me very materially."
"I shall be very glad to do so, sir. The duties will be very agreeable to me."
"But that is not all. My daughter proposes to employ you as private tutor for Freddie."
Frank smiled.
"I think my scholarship will be sufficient for that," he said.