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

As it turned out, I had to keep 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.'

'Then what will happen to us? We have no way in the world to earn our living.'

We were shown into the room in by that same servant as before. There they were, the two old gentlemen. Of course, they were surprised to see my wonderful Portia 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 that I knew who they were.

They knew I would have discovered that. They seated us, and were very polite to me.

They did their best to relieve Portia 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 job I can offer you. Have you the million-pound note?'