"Precisely," Aynesworth admitted. "Ten years' absence from English life today means that you return to it an absolute and complete stranger. You would be like a Cook's tourist abroad, without a guide or a Baedeker, if you attempted to rely upon yourself. Now I am rather a Bohemian sort of person, but I have just the sort of all-round knowledge which would be most useful to you. I have gone a little way into society, and I know something about politics. I can bring you up-to-date on both these matters. I know where to dine well in town, and where to be amused. I can tell you where to get your clothes, and the best place for all the etceteras. If you want to travel, I can speak French and German; and I consider myself a bit of a sportsman." "I am sure," Wingrave answered, "I congratulate you upon your versatility. I am quite convinced! I shall advertise at once for a secretary!" "Why advertise?" Aynesworth asked. "I am here!" Wingrave shook his head. "You would not suit me at all," he answered. "Why not?" Aynesworth asked. "I forget whether I mentioned all my accomplishments. I am an Oxford man with a degree, and I can write tolerable English. I've a fair head for figures, and I don't require too large a salary." "Exactly," Wingrave answered drily. "You are altogether too desirable. I should not require an Admirable Crichton for my purpose." Aynesworth remained unruffled. "All right," he said. "You know best, of course! Suppose you tell me what sort of a man would satisfy you!" "Why should I?" Wingrave asked coldly. "It would amuse me," Aynesworth answered, "and I've come a mile or so out of my way, and given up a whole morning to come and see you. Go on! It won't take long!" Wingrave shrugged his shoulders. "I will not remind you," he said, "that you came on your own initiative. I owe you the idea, however, so I will tell you the sort of person I shall look out for. In the first place, I do not require him to be a gentleman." "I can be a shocking bounder at times," Aynesworth murmured.
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