"Well, you seem to be a very likely young fellow, and I have no doubt you will suit us. I am willing to engage you, even after what little I have seen of you."
"But I can't go yet, Mr. Hart," interposed Leo.
"Why not? When can you come?"
"I can't go till the first of August; that's what I wanted to tell Mr. Checkynshaw. He was so kind as to think of me when he wanted a boy; and I want to have it made all right with him. I expect to take one of the Franklin medals at the next exhibition, and if I leave now I shall lose it."
"That's right, my boy; stick to your school, and I will see that you have a first-rate place when you have taken the medal. Haven't we got most to your house?"
"Just round the corner, sir. I'm afraid Mr. Checkynshaw will not like it because he did not see me this afternoon."
"He was out, and it isn't your fault; but I will tell him all about it when I come back, and he will not think of it again."
"But he wants a boy."
"Well, he can find a hundred of them in an hour's time; and, as you can't take the place, it will make no difference to you. I will make it all right with him so far as you are concerned."
"This is my house," said Leo, when they reached the dwelling at No. 3 Phillimore Court.