Among the flowers moved a tall, manly figure. As I entered, the gentleman came forward.
“Miss Reef, Mr. Bristed,” said my companion, by way of introduction.
So this was my employer. As he stood before me, I surveyed him; a well-formed gentleman, above the ordinary height, with pale complexion, set off by dark, penetrative eyes; a shapely head covered with long, heavy masses of straight dark hair. The impression his appearance conveyed to me was that of a person benevolent but apathetic; unhappy without the will or power to shake off his burden.
He bade me be seated. “You are young,” said he, reflectively. “May I ask your age?”
“Seventeen,” I replied.
“Very young,” he reiterated, thoughtfully shaking his head; “however, as you are here, if you wish to remain, Mary will introduce you to your pupil.”
“I certainly wish to remain,” said I, impatiently; “I have journeyed quite a distance for that purpose, and shall be happy to commence the instruction of my pupil immediately.”
“Very well,” said he. “Mary, take her to the nursery, and attend to any of her wants.”
The girl opened a door adjoining that which we had entered by; a narrow hall and a flight of stairs led us to the room indicated.
A little solitary figure, breathing upon the window-glass, and tracing thereon letters with long, thin fingers, was the first object that presented itself to my eye,