"About five years."
"How long was this Gualtier with you before his death?"
"About six months."
"Did your father ever show any particular confidence in him?"
"No. He merely thought him a good teacher, and conscientious in his work. He never took any particular notice of him."
"What was your father?"
"A landed gentleman."
"Where did he live?"
"Sometimes in Berks, sometimes in London," said Zillah, in general terms. But the chief did not know any thing about English geography, and did not pursue this question any further. It would have resulted in nothing if he had done so, for Zillah was determined, at all hazards, to guard her secret.
"Did you ever notice Gualtier's manner?" continued the chief, after another pause.