"Yes, sir, yes; and my arm."

     He sat down, and made me sit beside him. Holding my hand in both his own, he chafed it; gazing on me, at the same time, with the most troubled and dreary look.

     "My little friend!" said he, "I wish I were in a quiet island with only you; and trouble, and danger, and hideous recollections removed from me."

     "Can I help you, sir?--I'd give my life to serve you."

     "Jane, if aid is wanted, I'll seek it at your hands; I promise you that."

     "Thank you, sir. Tell me what to do,--I'll try, at least, to do it."

     "Fetch me now, Jane, a glass of wine from the dining-room: they will be at supper there; and tell me if Mason is with them, and what he is doing."