those about me, but even for me not over-full of occupations. The

climate occupies all the time not actually spent in eating,

sleeping and visiting ruins. It is fair, I suppose, to tell you

something of myself since I ask for news of you. I will tell you

what I can.

"I am travelling with an old lady, as her companion—not exactly

out of inclination and yet not exactly out of duty. Is that too

mysterious? Do you see me as Companion and general amuser to an old

lady—over seventy years of age? No. I presume not. And I am not

with her by necessity either, for I have not suffered any losses.