"I certainly wish to remain," said I, impatiently; "I have journeyed
quite a distance for that purpose, and shall be happy to commence the
instruction of my pupil immediately."

"Very well," said he. "Mary, take her to the nursery, and attend to any
of her wants."

The girl opened a door adjoining that which we had entered by; a narrow
hall and a flight of stairs led us to the room indicated.

A little solitary figure, breathing upon the window-glass, and tracing
thereon letters with long, thin fingers, was the first object that
presented itself to my eye,

"Here is your governess, Herbert," said Mary.

The little boy turned and surveyed me with his large, blue, mournful
eyes. They sent a quiver through my frame from their strange resemblance
to eyes I had seen but the night before in my dream.

He was apparently satisfied with his inspection, and his thin scarlet
lips parted into a smile.

I called him to me. He came forward timidly.

Taking his small hand, I asked him a few questions about his studies. I
found him intelligent, but grave beyond his years; very docile and
obedient, and ere the end of the day we became excellent friends.