When she entered the room the man got up and indicated a chair.  He asked a few questions, rather carelessly, and afterwards remarked:  “Miss Southern had already told me what I most wanted to know.  You may have heard about the work in which I am engaged.”

“Yes,” said Agatha, with a touch of color, “I know what it is now.”

He smiled.  “Perhaps it would have been better had I asked Miss Southern to present me, but I’m not very formal.  Well, I was asked by the Provincial Government and the railroad to find the best way of developing the alkali wastes, and the subject is extraordinarily interesting.  If I can solve the problem, it will make important changes in our irrigation system and enable us to cultivate wide belts of barren soil.  However, I must have help and want a lady who can take the charge of my correspondence with scientific people and assist in my experiments.  After talking to Miss Southern, I feel I can offer you the post.”

Agatha thrilled, but used some self-control.

“But you might not need me long, and I must give up the school.”

He smiled.  “If you wished to resume teaching, I daresay your having helped in my investigations would be an advantage.”

“Then do you expect me to help much in that way?” Agatha asked with growing excitement.

“Yes; as far as you are able.  I am told that you are used to laboratory work.  Would this suit you?”

Agatha’s eyes sparkled.  “It would realize my pet ambition.”

“Very well.  We had better talk about the salary.  My notion is—­”

Agatha thought the offer generous.  She would be richer than she had been yet and there was an object for which she needed money.  She felt flattered and almost overjoyed.  The work she was asked to do might start her well on the road she had long wished to take.

“There is another matter,” the man resumed when she declared that she was satisfied.  “It will be necessary for you to come to Europe.  My wife will take care of you.”

“Then you are going to Europe?” Agatha said with a curious sinking of her heart.

“Yes.  I must consult an eminent Frenchman and two or three Austrians.  They have studied some of the problems I am up against.”

“When do you start?” Agatha asked with forced quietness.

“In about three weeks, if I can get ready.”

Agatha tried to brace herself.  The disappointment was hard to bear, and for a few moments she engaged in a bitter struggle.  If she took the post and went to Europe, she could not go North for a year, and Thirlwell might not be able to help her then.  She knew that she had counted on his help, and that without it she could not penetrate far into the wilds.  Indeed, it was possible that she could not start at all.