ion he repressed
it. It was best to assume that she would do his bidding from the first.
Standing by the fireplace, with his arm on the mantelpiece, he bowed
stiffly, without offering his hand. Diane bowed in return, keeping her
own hands securely in her small black muff.

"Won't you sit down?"

Without changing his position he indicated the large leathern chair on
the other side of the hearth. Diane sat down on the very edge--erect,
silent, submissive. If he had feared the intrusion of the personal
element into what must be strictly a business affair, it was plain that
this pale, pinched little woman had forestalled him.

Yes; she was pale and pinched. Lucilla had been right about that. There
was something in Diane's appearance that suggested privation. Derek had
seen such a thing before among the disinherited of mankind, but never in
his own rank in life. With her air of proud gentleness, of gallant
acceptance of what fate had apportioned her, she made him think of some
plucky little citadel holding out against hunger. If there was no way of
showing the pity, the mingled pity and approbation, in his breast, it
was at least some consolation to know that in his house she would be
beyond the most terrible and elemental touch of want.

"I've troubled you to come and see me," he began, with an effort to keep
the note of embarrassment out of his voice, "to ask if you would be
willing to accept a position in my family."

Diane sat still and did not raise her eyes, but it seemed to him that he
could detect, beneath her veil, a light of relief in her face, like a
sudden gleam of sunshine.

"I'm looking for a position," was all she said, "and if I could be of
service--"

"I'm very much in need of some one," he explained; "though the duties of
the place would be peculiar, and, perhaps, not particularly grateful."

"It would be for me to do them, without questioning as to whether I
liked them or not."

"I'm glad you say that, as it will make it easier for us to come to an
understanding. You've already guessed, perhaps, that I am looking for a
lady to be with my daughter."

"I thought it might be something of that kind."

The difficult part of the interview was now to begin, and Pruyn
hesitated a minute, considering how best to present his case. Reflection
decided him in favor of frankness, for it was only by frankness on his
side that Diane would be able to carry out his wishes on hers. The
responsibility imposed up