face that I could not help suspecting that she had lost a handsome commission

through my refusal.


“‘Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?’

she asked.


“‘If you please, Miss Stoper.’


“‘Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the

most excellent offers in this fashion,’ said she sharply. ‘You can

hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such opening for you.

Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.’ She struck a gong upon the table, and I

was shown out by the page.


“Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found little enough

in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the table, I began to ask myself

whether I had not done a very foolish thing. After all, if these people had

strange fads and expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they

were at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few governesses in

England are getting £ 100 a year. Besides, what use was my hair to me? Many

people are improved by wearing it short and perhaps I should be among the

number. Next day I was inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the

day after I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go back

to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open when I received this

letter from the gentleman himself. I have it here and I will read it to you:


“‘The Copper Beeches, near Winchester.

“‘DEAR MISS HUNTER,—Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your

address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have reconsidered your

decision. My wife is very anxious that you should come, for she has been much

attracted by my description of you. We are willing to give £ 30 a quarter, or £

120 a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which our fads

may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My wife is fond of a

particular shade of electric blue and would like you to wear such a dress