‘I am much indebted to you, sir,’ said I.  ’Perhaps you will add to your favours by letting me know where I am.’

’You are in my house, and that must suffice you for to-night.  In the morning we shall go further into the matter.’  He rang a small bell, and a gaunt shock-headed country man-servant came running at the call.

‘Your mistress has retired, I suppose?’

‘Yes, sir, a good two hours ago.’

‘Very good.  I shall call you myself in the morning.’  He closed my door, and the echo of his steps seemed hardly to have died from my ears before I had sunk into that deep and dreamless sleep which only youth and fatigue can give.

CHAPTER VII

THE OWNER OF GROSBOIS

My host was as good as his word, for, when a noise in my room awoke me in the morning, it was to find him standing by the side of my bed, so composed in his features and so drab in his attire, that it was hard to associate him with the stirring scenes of yesterday and with the repulsive part which he had played in them.  Now in the fresh morning sunlight he presented rather the appearance of a pedantic schoolmaster, an impression which was increased by the masterful, and yet benevolent, smile with which he regarded me.  In spite of his smile, I was more conscious than ever that my whole soul shrank from him, and that I should not be at my ease until I had broken this companionship which had been so involuntarily formed.  He carried a heap of clothes over one arm, which he threw upon a chair at the bottom of my bed.

‘I gather from the little that you told me last night,’ said he, ’that your wardrobe is at present somewhat scanty.  I fear that your inches are greater than those of anyone in my household, but I have brought a few things here amongst which you may find something to fit you.  Here, too, are the razors, the soap, and the powder-box.  I will return in half an hour, when your toilet will doubtless be completed.’

I found that my own clothes, with a little brushing, were as good as ever, but I availed myself of his offer to the extent of a ruffled shirt and a black satin cravat.  I had finished dressing and was looking out of the window of my room, which opened on to a blank wall, when my host returned.  He looked me all over with a keenly scrutinising eye, and appeared to be satisfied with what he saw.

‘That will do!  That will do very well indeed!’ said he, nodding a critical head.  ’In these times a slight indication of travel or hard work upon a costume is more fashionable than the foppishness of the Incroyable.  I have heard ladies remark that it was in better taste.  Now, sir, if you will kindly follow me.’

His solicitude about my dress filled me with surprise, but this was soon forgotten in the shock which was awaiting me.  For as we passed down the passage and into a large hall which seemed strangely familiar to me, there was a full-length portrait of my father standing right in front of me.  I stood staring with a gasp of astonishment, and turned to see the cold grey eyes of my companion fixed upon me with a humorous glitter.