settle down to work anywhere. But with him, if he could find
something--"

Aaron sprang to his feet.

"I would work my fingers to the bone!" he cried. "It is a glorious
idea, Julia. I have to give up the collecting--my bicycle has gone.
Let us start."

They went out together into the streets, thinly peopled, as yet, for it
was barely six o'clock. Julia would have loitered, but her brother
forced her always onward. She laughed as they arrived at the Square
where Maraton lived. Every house they passed was shuttered and silent.

"How absurd we are!" she murmured. "He will not be up for hours. Very
likely even the servants will not be astir."

"Servants!"

Aaron repeated the word, frowning. She only smiled.

"You mustn't be foolish, dear. Don't have prejudices. Remember that we
are walking along a very narrow way. We have climbed only a few steps
of the hill. He is more than half-way to the top. Things are different
with him. Don't judge; only wait."

She rang the bell of the house a little timidly. The door was opened
without any delay by a man servant in sombre, every-day clothes.

"We wish to see Mr. Maraton," Julia announced. "He is not up yet, of