Volume VI Part 99 (1/2)
”Ah!” said he, ”this is the room my poor old father used to love to sit in; like you, he was very fond of study Youperfect liberty here, for you will see no one”
We dined late, and consequently no supper was served The eating and the ere tolerable, and so was the company of a priest, who held the position of the count's steward; but I was disgusted at hearing the count, who ate ravenously, reproachtoo slowly
When we rose from table he told me he had a lot to do, and that we should see each other the next day
I went to et outat the second volu I asked for a light as it was growing dark, and presently a servant caiven hts or a la one of the servants if I was to rely on the services of any aiven us no instructions on the subject, but of course ait on you whenever you call us”
This would have been a troublesoed to wander all over the house, to search the courtyard, and perhaps the road, whenever I wanted a servant
”And ill do my room?” I asked
”The maid”
”Then she has a key of her own?”
”There is no need for a key, as your door has no lock, but you can bolt yourself in at night”
I could only laugh, whether from ill humour or amusement I really cannot say However, I an my task, but in half an hour I was so unfortunate as to put out the candle whilst snuffing it I could not roaht, as I did not knoay, so I went to bed in the dark h
Fortunately the bed was a good one, and as I had expected it to be uncomfortable I went to sleep in anobody ca away own and nightcap I found him under the hand of one of his men who served him as a valet I told him I had slept well, and had come to breakfast with him; but he said he never took breakfast, and asked h, not to trouble to coed with his tenants, ere a pack of thieves He then added that as I took breakfast he would give orders to the cook to send me up coffee whenever I liked
”You will also be kind enough to tell your ive me a touch with his comb after he has done with you”
”I wonder you did not bring a servant”
”If I had guessed that I should be troubling you, I should certainly have brought one”
”It will not trouble ”
”Not at all Another thing I want is a lock to my door, for I have important papers for which I am responsible, and I cannot lock the is safe in my house”
”Of course, but you see how absurd it would be for you to be answerable in case any of reatest distress, and yet I should never tell you of it”
He remained silent for some time, and then ordered his ive , I noticed a taper and a book on the table beside his bed I went up to it, and asked politely if I uiled hihim with a smile that I felt sure that it was a book of prayers, but that I would never reveal his secret
”You have guessed what it is,” he said, laughing