"How long?"
"A week—it may be a fortnight—you understand."
I did not understand; but I afterwards divined that I was to be our Nathaniel's spy upon the old lady and her household.
"My mother at home will believe I am lost."
"Oh, without fail I shall make the good lady aware that I have detained you on special business."
All this thoughtfulness and unwonted politeness sorely puzzled me for a time.
"You will find plenty of amusement here—a fine house and fine grounds—books and pictures in plenty. It will be quite a vacation for you."
"They are fortunate who possess such," said I with a sigh, as I thought of my mother's little cottage.
"Young man, be not guilty of envy or covetousness, but work hard and pray that God may keep you poor rather than rich; for wealth leadeth to pleasures and employments which are abominations and vanities in the sight of Heaven; so work, I say, for man was born to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow; and so good night. Do not forget your prayers at bed-time, and to attend church on Sunday while you are here."
Macfarisee bowed and smiled through the window as the hackney-coach was driven off; and I knew well that when he smiled, it was with mockery in his heart and mischief in his soul.