He was very much interested in the beautiful girl.
“My principal reason for hesitating is, that I have never had any experience in teaching, and could only follow the example of my own teachers, as far as I can remember it.”
“You are very truthful and frank, at all events,” remarked Mr. Coolidge, smilingly.
“I should not presume to accept this position, sir, by placing myself in a false position,” replied Brownie, gravely.
“I think with my father-in-law, that you will do, and I feel confident that you will prove faithful to your trust. Shall we consider the bargain closed?” asked her employer, giving her a glance of admiration.
“Mr. Coolidge—I—really——” stammered the young girl.
She was astonished that he should desire to close the bargain, without making any inquiries regarding her character or antecedents, and yet she did not know how to broach the subject.
“Ah, I beg your pardon, Miss Douglas,” and the man of business looked utterly confused for a moment, “it was an oversight entirely that I did not mention what salary you would receive. Would four hundred a year and expenses meet your acceptance?”
“Make it five, William,” interrupted Mr. Alcott, adding: “With those harum-scarum girls it will be none too much; there will be plenty of little knickknacks that she will want to bring away from the old country, and an extra hundred will be none too much.”
“Well, call it five hundred and expenses, then,” said Mr. Coolidge.