carpeted. The walls were ornamented with paintings and engravings.

An ample arm-chair, which the owner had evidently just vacated, and a
table containing books and papers, gave a tone of both comfort and
elegance to the room, which was decidedly congenial to my taste.

Two great glass doors, reflecting clearly the morning sunbeams, led into
a conservatory from whence issued the fragrance I perceived on entering.

Among the flowers moved a tall, manly figure. As I entered, the gentleman
came forward.

"Miss Reef, Mr. Bristed," said my companion, by way of introduction.

So this was my employer. As he stood before me, I surveyed him; a
well-formed gentleman, above the ordinary height, with pale complexion,
set off by dark, penetrative eyes; a shapely head covered with long,
heavy masses of straight dark hair. The impression his appearance
conveyed to me was that of a person benevolent but apathetic; unhappy
without the will or power to shake off his burden.

He bade me be seated. "You are young," said he, reflectively. "May I ask
your age?"

"Seventeen," I replied.

"Very young," he reiterated, thoughtfully shaking his head; "however, as
you are here, if you wish to remain, Mary will introduce you to your
pupil."