The million pound banknote

'Dearie, the way you're looking it's a crime to accept a salary a single penny under three thousand a year.' I said. 'Don't you be afraid. Just keep up those looks, and trust to me. It'll all come out right.'

As it turned out, I had to keep bolstering up her courage all the way. She kept pleading with me, and saying 'Henry, Henry, you'll ruin us! Oh, please remember that if we ask for too much we may get no salary at all; and then what will become of us, with no way in the world to earn our living?'

We were ushered in by that same servant, and there they were, the two old gentlemen. Of course, they were surprised to see that wonderful creature with me, but I said: It's all right, gentlemen; she is my future stay and helpmate. I am ready to report.'

And I introduced them to her, and called them by name. It didn't surprise them; they knew I would know enough to find out who they were. They seated us, and were very polite to me, and very solicitous to relieve her from embarrassment, and put her as much at her ease as they could. Then one of them said 'Now we can decide the bet which my brother Abel and I made. If you have won for me, you shall have any situation in my gift. Have you the million-pound note?'

Vocabulary:

Bolster: Support, make bigger or stronger
Plead: Argue or beg politely
Usher: To go with someone to show where to go or sit
Stay and helpmate: Another way to say 'wife'
Solicitous: Careful to make someone comfortable
Situation: Job, enmployment