Now let us return to the library." While father and daughter were absent Frank had taken from the table a volume of "Macaulay's History," and had become interested in it.
He laid it down upon their return.
Mr.Percival resumed his easy-chair, and said, with a smile.
"My daughter and I have been consulting about you." Frank bowed, and his hopes rose.
"I suppose you are open to an offer of employment ?" "I am not only open to it, Mr.Percival, but I shall be grateful for it." He could not help wondering what sort of employment Mr.Percival was about to offer him.

He concluded that it might be a place in some business house.
"The fact is," said the old gentleman, "I have a great mind to offer you the situation of my private secretary." Frank was astonished.

This was something he had not thought of.
"Do you think I am qualified to fill such a position, Mr.Percival ?" he asked, hesitatingly.
"The duties would not be difficult," returned the old gentleman.

"Though not in active business, the care of my property, and looking after my scattered investments, involves me in considerable correspondence.

My eyes are not as strong as they once were, and I find them at times taxed by letter-writing, not to mention reading.