e said, "in which that gentleman informs me that the young man, James
Jasmin, will be with you in the course of the day after to-morrow at the
latest. He hopes that Jasmin will suit you, and he is evidently much
pleased that a position has been offered him in an establishment in
every way so unexceptionable as that of Bon Repos."

The mulatto's white teeth glistened in the twilight. Evidently he was
pleased. He muttered a few words in reply. Mr. Deedes bowed courteously,
wished him and the landlord a very good night, and withdrew.

Late in the afternoon of the day but one following that of his visit to
Newby Bridge, as Mr. Deedes was busy with a London newspaper three or
four days old, the landlord ushered a young man into his room, who, with
a bow and a carrying of the forefinger to his forehead, announced
himself as James Jasmin, from Deepley Walls.

"Don't you go, landlord," said Mr. Deedes; "I may want you." Then he
deliberately put on his gold-rimmed glasses, and proceeded to take a
leisurely survey of the new corner, who was dressed in a neat (but not
new) suit of black, and was standing in a respectful attitude, and
slowly brushing his hat with one sleeve of his coat.

"So you are James Jasmin, from Deepley Walls, are you?" asked Mr.
Deedes, looking him slowly down from head to feet.

"Yes, sir, I am the party, sir," answered James.

"Well, Jasmin, and how did you leave my friend Mr. Madgin? and what is
the latest news from Deepley Walls?"

"Master and family all pretty well, sir, thank you. Master has got a
tenant for the old house, and the family will all start for the
Continong next week."

"Well, Jasmin, I hope you will contrive to suit your new employer as
well as you appear to have suited my friend. Landlord, let him have some
dinner, and he had better perhaps wait here till Mr. Cleon comes down
this evening."

When Mr. Cleon arrived a couple of hours later, Jasmin was duly
presented to him. The mulatto scrutinised him keenly and seemed pleased
with his appearance, which was decidedly superior to that of the
ordinary run of Jeameses. He finished by asking him for his
testimonials.

"I have none with me, sir," answered Jasmin, discreetly emphasising the
_sir_. "I can only refer you to my late master, Mr. Madgin, of Deepley
Walls, who will gladly speak as to my qualifications and integrity."

"That being the case, I will take you for the present on the
recommendation of Mr. Deedes, and will write