It is not a very desirable one in some respects, but the pay's pretty good, and it would bring the man who took it under the notice of people who arrange the better Government appointments.

I should have to stay out at least two years." Sylvia was startled, and annoyed.

Now that the man owned her sway, she did not mean to accede to his wishes too readily.

Some obscure reason made her shrink from definitely binding herself to him, but his intimation had forced on something of the nature of a crisis.
"Do you wish to go ?" she asked.
"No," he said hotly; "you know that." "Then," said Sylvia softly, "I think you had better stay at home." He stopped again and faced her.
"You must tell me what you mean!" "It ought to be clear," she murmured, "Don't you think I should miss you ?" With restrained quietness he laid his hand on her shoulder.
"You must listen for a minute, Sylvia.

Up to the present, I've been passed over by the authorities; but now I've been given my chance.