eaning his arms on
the back of a chair near her, with his eyes fixed on her face. His
features were fraught with a meaning which I was eager to interpret, but
unable.

I have read of transitions effected by magic; I have read of palaces and
deserts which were subject to the dominion of spells; poets may sport
with their power, but I am certain that no transition was ever conceived
more marvellous and more beyond the reach of foresight than that which I
had just experienced. Heaths vexed by a midnight storm may be changed
into a hall of choral nymphs and regal banqueting; forest glades may
give sudden place to colonnades and carnivals; but he whose senses are
deluded finds himself still on his natal earth. These miracles are
contemptible when compared with that which placed me under this roof and
gave me to partake in this audience. I know that my emotions are in
danger of being regarded as ludicrous by those who cannot figure to
themselves the consequences of a limited and rustic education.

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