CHAPTER VI.


In a short time the lady retired. I naturally expected that some
comments would be made on her behaviour, and that the cause of her
surprise and distress on seeing me would be explained; but Welbeck said
nothing on that subject. When she had gone, he went to the window and
stood for some time occupied, as it seemed, with his own thoughts. Then
he turned to me, and, calling me by my name, desired me to accompany him
up-stairs. There was neither cheerfulness nor mildness in his address,
but neither was there any thing domineering or arrogant.

We entered an apartment on the same floor with my chamber, but separated
from it by a spacious entry. It was supplied with bureaus, cabinets, and
bookcases. "This," said he, "is your room and mine; but we must enter it
and leave it together. I mean to act not as your master but your friend.
My maimed hand" (so saying, he showed me his right hand, the forefinger
of which was wanting) "will not allow me to write accurately or
copiously. For this reason I have required your aid, in a work of some
moment. Much haste will not be requisite, and, as to the hours and
duration of employment, these will be seasonable and short.

"Your present situation is new to you, and we will therefore defer
entering on our business. Meanwhile you may amuse yourself in what
manner you please. Consider this house as your home and make yourself
familiar with it. Stay within or go out, be busy or be idle, as your
fancy shall prompt: only you will conform to our domestic system as to
eating and sleep; the servants will inform you of this. Next week we
will enter on the task for which I designed you. You may now withdraw."