'
So, he carrying a candle, we crossed the lobby, and marched together
through the passage, which at night always seemed a little awesome, darkly
wainscoted, uncheered by the cross-light from the hall, which was lost at
the turn, leading us away from the frequented parts of the house to that
misshapen and lonely room about which the traditions of the nursery and the
servants' hall had had so many fearful stories to recount.
I think my father had intended making some disclosure to me on reaching
this room. If so, he changed his mind, or at least postponed his intention.
He had paused before the cabinet, respecting the key of which he had given
me so strict a charge, and I think he was going to explain himself more
fully than he had done. But he went on, instead, to the table where his
desk, always jealously locked, was placed, and having lighted the candles
which stood by it, he glanced at me, and said--
'You must wait a little, Maud; I shall have something to say to you. Take
this candle and amuse yourself with a book meanwhile.'
I was accustomed to obey in silence. I chose a volume of engravings,
and ensconced myself in a favourite nook in which I had often passed a
half-hour similarly.
Pages:
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175