Certainly this applicant was not at all the sort of man he had expected to apply for the place, in answer to his advertisement.

That he was evidently a gentleman was far from an advantage, but the fact that he could speak the languages would add much to his value.
"Can you give me references ?" he said, at last.
"I cannot, sir.

I should not like to apply to any of my friends, in such a matter.

I must ask you to take me on trust.

Frankly, I have quarrelled with my family, and have to strike out for myself.