intentions, as one understands the friendliness of a capering
poodle, yet in such a way that I could not feel resentment, for
I could see that he looked at almost everyone in the same
fashion.

My friend had done wonders for me; and I made the best account
of myself that I could, so that within half an hour it was
arranged that I should take charge of his son, with an
honourarium which gave me great rejoicing for my nieces and my
accumulated appetite.

"I think I can pick men," he said, "and I think that you are the
man I want. You're old enough and you've seen enough, and you
know enough to keep one fool boy in order for six months."

So frankly he spoke of his son, yet not without affection and
confidence. Before I left, he sent for the youth himself,
Lambert R. Poor, Jr.,--not at all a Caliban, but a most
excellent-appearing, tall gentleman, of astonishingly meek
countenance. He gave me a sad, slow look from his blue eyes at
first; then with a brightening smile he gently shook my hand,
murmuring that he was very glad in the prospect of knowing me
better; after which the parent defined before him, with singular
elaboration, my duties. I was to correct all things in his
behaviour which I considered improper or absurd. I was to
dictate the line of travel, to have a restraining influence upon
expenditures; in brief, to control the young man as a governess
does a child.

To all of his parent's instructions Poor Jr. returned a dutiful