e as to my history. I related my origin and my
inducements to desert my father's house. With respect to last night's
adventures I was silent. I saw no useful purpose that could be answered
by disclosure, and I half suspected that my companion would refuse
credit to my tale.

There were frequent intervals of abstraction and reflection between his
questions. My examination lasted not much less than an hour. At length
he said, "I want an amanuensis or copyist. On what terms will you live
with me?"

I answered that I knew not how to estimate the value of my services. I
knew not whether these services were agreeable or healthful. My life had
hitherto been active. My constitution was predisposed to diseases of the
lungs, and the change might be hurtful. I was willing, however, to try
and to content myself for a month or a year, with so much as would
furnish me with food, clothing, and lodging.

"'Tis well," said he. "You remain with me as long and no longer than
both of us please. You shall lodge and eat in this house. I will supply
you with clothing, and your task will be to write what I dictate. Your
person, I see, has not shared much of your attention. It is in my power
to equip you instantly in the manner which becomes a resident in this
house. Come with me."

He led the way into the court behind and thence into a neat building,
which contained large wooden vessels and a pump: "There," said he, "you
may wash yourself; and, when that is done, I will conduct you to your
chamber and your wardrobe."

This was speedily performed, and he accordingly led the way to the
chamber. It was an apartment in the third story, finished and furnished
in the same costly and superb style with the rest of the house. He
opened closets and drawers which overflowed with clothes and linen of
all and of the best kinds. "These are yours," said he, "as long as you
stay with me. Dress yourself as likes you best. Here is every thing your
nakedness requires. When dressed, you may descend to breakfast." With
these words he left me.

The clothes were all in the French style, as I afterwards, by comparing
my garb with that of others, discovered. They were fitted to my shape
with the nicest precision. I bedecked myself with all my care. I
remembered the style of dress used by my beloved Clavering. My locks
were of shining auburn, flowing and smooth like his. Having wrung the
wet from them, and combed, I tied them carelessly in a black riband.
Thus