"No--; perhaps that's too moderate. But the lower one went in the money speculation, the greater would be the number to choose from, and the better the chance of getting something decent in the woman herself. I have something of my own,--not much you know; so with the lady's ten thousand pounds we might be able to live,--in some second-rate French town perhaps."
"But I don't see what you would gain by that."
"My people here would have got rid of me. That seems to be the great thing. If you hear of any girl with about that sum, moderately good-looking, not too young so that she might know something of the world, decently born, and able to read and write, perhaps you will bear me in mind."
"Yes, I will," said Alice, who was quite aware that he had made an accurate picture of her own position. "When I meet such a one, I will send for you at once."
"You know no such person now?"

"No. But the more moderate my demands, the greater would be the number to choose from, and the better the chance of getting something decent in the woman herself. I have something of my own, so with the lady's ten thousand pounds we might be able to live - in some second-rate French town perhaps. If you hear of any girl with about that sum, moderately good-looking, not too young and ignorant, decently born, and able to read and write, perhaps you will bear me in mind."
"Yes, I will," said Alice, well aware that he had described her own position. "When I meet such a one, I will send for you at once."
"You know no such person now?"
