“When they are disengaged,” she continued, laughingly. “Besides, being American, I don’t need to call them Brothers.”
“The Brothers have taste!” was my remark; and then I added, “I suppose the work nearly all falls on your shoulders?”
“‘for love, and not for money,’
—i interrupted.”
“Yes; that is inevitable. Arranging for engagements is nothing, but I find it necessary to make the Brothers refer all disputes to me, and delicate points arise. One arose last week, when a lady called upon her Brother to chastise an erring suitor, who had jilted her. However, I said at once that this was not included in his duties, as the offence was prior to his entering on his present Brothership.”
“Well, I think you were quite right,” I said; “but I’m afraid your position is not so enviable as I fancied at first. I shouldn’t care myself to settle such delicate points.”
“Nonsense!” she replied, “these are crumpled rose leaves. The agency is paying splendidly. I am making my fortune, and at the same time conferring a boon on society. Why there is no longer a dearth of partners at dances, as most girls bring a Brother. In fact, the agency is doing so well that I shall soon have to take larger premises.”
“Well, Miss Buller,” I said, taking up my hat, “I hardly know how to thank you for your courtesy and patience in answering all my questions. I now thoroughly understand the working of your excellent agency, and I am sure that it is a scheme that will continue to flourish.”
“Till the Brothers form a Union, and go out on strike,” replied Miss Buller gaily. “The demand already exceeds the supply!”