Divesting himself of overcoat and rubbers, Mr. Mills entered the library and shook hands graciously with both.
He was tall and spare, of about fifty-five, and his manner was that of a man of the world; but his unsteady glance never met one’s frankly and his movements were restless.
Reuben brought in a tray on which were a plate of crullers and some cider and while they were sipping it, he replenished the fire.
“Where did you get that treasure?” inquired Mills after Reuben left the room.
“He was a porter in the college at Vicksburg, Mississippi, when I occupied the Chair of Ancient Languages there. He became enamored of Mrs. De Vere’s maid, Margaret, and begged me to buy him, which I did.”
“If not an impertinent question, may I ask what you paid for him?”
“Certainly. I gave one thousand dollars for him. He is not an ignorant man, as you can see.”
“How did he get his education?”
“I taught him and he still studies every spare moment of his time.”
“Your life has been an eventful one,” said Mills interestedly.