It was my first such experience; I hope it may be the last--in that form.

Indeed, I believe it will, for I can't imagine that I shall ever feel towards anyone else in the same way, and--you will smile, no doubt--I have a conviction that Irene Derwent will remain my ideal as long as I live." Enough of that.

It being quite clear to me that I simply could not go in for the examination, I hit upon another scheme; one, it seemed to me, which might not altogether displease you.

I went to see Mr.
Tadworth, and told him that I had decided to go back into business; could he, I asked, think of giving me a place in their office at Odessa?
If necessary, I would work without salary till I had thoroughly learned Russian, and could substantially serve them.

Well, Mr.Tadworth was very kind, and, after a little questioning, promised to send me out to Odessa in some capacity or other, still to be determined.