blighted it. My spirits sank as I looked round me. Supper-time was
still an event in the future. I lighted the candles and took from my
portmanteau what I firmly believe to have been the first French novel
ever produced at Morwick Farm. It was one of the masterly and charming
stories of Dumas the elder. In five minutes I was in a new world, and
my melancholy room was full of the liveliest French company. The sound
of an imperative and uncompromising bell recalled me in due time to the
regions of reality. I looked at my watch. Nine o'clock.

Ambrose met me at the bottom of the stairs, and showed me the way to
the supper-room.

Mr. Meadowcroft's invalid chair had been wheeled to the head of the
table. On his right-hand side sat his sad and silent daughter. She
signed to me, with a ghostly solemnity, to take the vacant place on the
left of her father. Silas Meadowcroft came in at the same moment, and
was presented to me by his brother. There was a strong family likeness
between them, Ambrose being the taller and the handsomer man of the
two. But there was no marked character in either face. I set them down
as men with undeveloped qualities, waiting (the good and evil qualities
alike) for time and circumstances to bring them to their full growth.

The door opened again while I was still studying the two brothers,
without, I honestly confess, being very favorably impressed by either
of them. A new member of the family circle, who instantly attracted my
attention, entered the room.

He was short, spare, and wiry; singularly pale for a person whose life
was passed in the country. The face was in other respects, besides
this, a striking face to see. As to the lower part, it was covered with