THE OWNER OF GROSBOIS My host was as good as his word, for, when a noise in my room awoke me in the morning, it was to find him standing by the side of my bed, so composed in his features and so drab in his attire, that it was hard to associate him with the stirring scenes of yesterday and with the repulsive part which he had played in them.

Now in the fresh morning sunlight he presented rather the appearance of a pedantic schoolmaster, an impression which was increased by the masterful, and yet benevolent, smile with which he regarded me.

In spite of his smile, I was more conscious than ever that my whole soul shrank from him, and that I should not be at my ease until I had broken this companionship which had been so involuntarily formed.

He carried a heap of clothes over one arm, which he threw upon a chair at the bottom of my bed.
'I gather from the little that you told me last night,' said he, 'that your wardrobe is at present somewhat scanty.

I fear that your inches are greater than those of anyone in my household, but I have brought a few things here amongst which you may find something to fit you.
Here, too, are the razors, the soap, and the powder-box.