Madame Zigonie selected a fine restaurant where they were served an excellent lunch. During the meal she encouraged Chiike to talk of his early years on the Big Prairie and the general facts of his family background. Presently the focus of the conversation in.shifted and touched upon a number of various subjects. As if on sudden impulse, Madame Zigonie revealed to Chiike that she was conscious within herself of strong clairvoyant powers which she ignored only at grave risk to herself and her fortunes.
"Perhaps you have wondered at my
manifest interest in you," she told Chilke.
"The fact is that I must hire an overseer for my ranch, and this mysterious inner voice insisted that you were the right and proper person for the position."
"Interesting!" said Chilke.
"I'm an old farm boy, no question as to that. I hope that your inner voice recommends a high salary."
"Adequately high," said Madame Zigonie.
"Shadow Valley Ranch comprises twenty-two thousand square miles with a hundred or more employees. It is a responsible post. I can offer a salary often thousand sols per year, along with travel and living expenses."
"Hm," said Chilke.
"It sounds like an important job. The proper salary would seem to be twenty thousand sols: less than a sol per square mile, which I consider a bargain."
Madame Zigonie said decisively: "The salary is not reckoned on that basis, since not every square mile needs careful supervision. Ten thousand sols is quite adequate. You will reside in a private bungalow, with ample room for all your belongings. It is important to be surrounded by one's little treasures; don't you think?"
"Absolutely."
"You will find conditions quite congenial," said Madame Zigonie.
"I shall see to it personally."
Chilke spoke with great earnestness: "I want to reassure you in regard to a rather delicate matter. Never fear that I might become overfamiliar! Never, never, never!"
"You are remarkably emphatic!" said Madame Zigonie coldly.
"The possibility had never occurred to me."
"It is wise to be clear on these things, if only for your peace of mind. You need expect nothing from me except dignified and formal conduct. The fact is, I am sworn to celibacy, and I am already married, to boot. Also, if the truth be known, I am somewhat underpowered, shall we say, which makes me nervous and flighty when ladies get too friendly. Hence, you may rest easy in this regard."
Madame Zigonie gave her head a toss which almost dislodged her tall black hat. She noticed Chilke staring at her forehead, and quickly rearranged the russet curls which fringed her face.
"That is only a birthmark you see; pay it no heed."
"Just so. It is rather like a tattoo."
"No matter." Madame Zigonie carefully adjusted her hat.
"I
take it that you will accept the post?"
"Regarding the salary, fifteen thousand sols would seem a nice compromise."
"It would also seem an inordinate sum for a person of your inexperi'Oh?" Chiike raised his eyebrows.
"What does your clairvoyant power tell you in this regard?"
"It inclines to the same opinion."
"In that case, let us abandon the entire idea." Chiike rose to his feet.
"I thank you for the lunch and for an interesting conversation. Now, if you will excuse me--" "Not so fast," snapped Madame Zigonie.
"Perhaps something can be arranged. Where are your belongings?"
"They're more or less the clothes on my back and a change of underwear," said Chiike.
"I tend to travel light, in case I want to make a hasty move somewhere."
"Still, you must have the goods you inherited from your grandfather. We shall ship everything to Rosalia and you will feel comfortably at home."
"Not necessarily," said Chiike.
"There's a stuffed moose in the barn, but I don't want it in the front room of my bungalow."
"I'm interested in such things," said Madame Zigonie.
"Perhaps we should go to Big Prairie and make an inventory, or I could go by myself."
"The family wouldn't like it," said Chiike.
"Still, we must do our best to bring you your things."
