human
Eustace tells me that he mentioned to you that I am looking for a post as secretary.
gpt
Eustace? Oh, you mean King Solomon--that is, young Gibb. Young Gibb's a curious boy.
human
Curious? I think he's delightful.
gpt
Delightful? Yes, so--so he is; a--a most valuable acquisition for a man like me.
human
Do I--require a secretary--myself? I--I--the fact is---- A wild idea was germinating in the erratic young gentleman's brain.
gpt
What are your qualifications, Miss Lindsay?
human
I can work a typewriter.
gpt
Can you? That's splendid.
human
At least I could about twelve months ago, and I dare say I could again, after a little practice.
gpt
Of course you could; not a doubt of it. And--and can you write shorthand?
human
No, I can't write shorthand; is that indispensable?
gpt
No, not--not indispensable.
human
I can speak and write French, and I know some German.
gpt
Those--those are decidedly advantages.
human
And I write a very clear hand; I don't think any one would have any difficulty in reading what I write; I will show you a specimen if you like.
gpt
There's--there's not the slightest necessity; not the least; I feel sure you write a clear hand. And--when are you disengaged?
human
At once; I should like to begin as soon as I possibly could; I am very anxious to begin. Something which she fancied she saw on his face seemed to trouble her.
gpt
Isn't the secretary wanted at once?
human
Well, the fact is, it's this way----
gpt
I could come for a week on trial, so that you might see if I suited.
human
I'm sure you'd suit; I--I've not the slightest doubt about that.
gpt
You can't be quite sure; but I'd try to please you.
human
I--I--I---- He was about to remark that there was not the slightest necessity for her to try, since she could not help but please him, whether she tried or not, when a sudden fear came to him that his remark might be misconstrued; so he pulled himself up in time.
gpt
The remark I was about to make is, since--since I desire to be quite plain, in order that we may not commence with--with a misunderstanding; what it is I wish to point out is that the post may be of a purely temporary nature.
human
That doesn't matter; it would be something; and that's better than nothing. How long would it be likely to last?
gpt
That's--that's not easy to determine; the fact is it's really a jobbing secretary that's wanted.
human
What is a jobbing secretary?
gpt
One who works by the job.
human
By the job?
gpt
Let me explain. Say there's a job--that is, a piece of work--wants doing; when that's done there may be an interregnum before more's required.
human
I see. And--will the secretary be paid by the job?
gpt
Paid by the job?
human
Or--by the week--or how?
gpt
That--that reminds me. It seemed to Nora that Mr. Hooper drew in a long breath, as if he desired to lay in a stock in case of emergency.
human
What honorarium were you thinking of asking, Miss Lindsay?
gpt
I was thinking of asking two guineas a week. She fancied his jaw fell; so she hedged, quickly.
human
But, of course, if that's too much----
gpt
Not at all; not in the least; practically it's less than I expected. Although he had not the faintest notion where the money was to come from, if it had to come from him, he was thinking that if she proposed to keep herself on two guineas a week it would be some time--slight though his knowledge of such matters was, before she would be able to buy another dress like the one which she had on.
human
Well, Miss Lindsay, we'll leave it like this; I will think it over and let you know my decision.
gpt
Couldn't you decide now? I've found that when people say they'll let me know their decision they mean no. Please--please give me a trial; do let me try. If--if you'll give me a chance I'll--I'll do my very best, so that you--you shan't regret it.