Page:Hope-indiscretions of duchess.djvu/53

Rh he raised his hat and seemed to scan my neat blue brass-buttoned coat and white cords with interest.

“You belong to the household of the duke, sir?” he asked, with a polite lift of his hat.

I explained that I did—for the moment.

“Then you think of leaving, sir?”

“I do,” I said, “as soon as I can; I am only engaged for the time.”

“You do not happen to know, sir, if the duke requires a well-qualified indoor servant? I should be most grateful if you would present me to him. I heard in Paris that a servant had left him; but he started so suddenly that I could not get access to him, and I have followed him here.”

“It’s exactly what he does want, I believe, sir,” said I. “If I were you, I would go to the house and obtain entrance. The duke expects guests to-morrow.”

“But yourself, sir? Are not your services sufficient for the present?”

“As you perceive,” said I, indicating my attire, “I am not an indoor servant. I am but a makeshift in that capacity.”

He smiled a polite remonstrance at my modesty, adding:

“You think, then, I might have a chance?”

“An excellent one, I believe. Turn to the left, there by the chestnut tree, and you will find yourself within a minute’s walk of the front door.”

He bowed, raised his hat, and trotted off, moving with a quick, shuffling, short-stepping