Half an hour later I was summoned to the dining-room, where dinner was laid for me.

God knows that I had never coveted wealth or thought much of luxury--I had been content with my lot.
What did I think when I saw that stately dining-room, with its brilliant lights, the gold and silver, the recherche dishes, the odorous wines and rare fruits?
My first feeling was one of wonder that fortune should have so overpowered me; my second was a fervent wish that such pleasant times could fall to every one.
I had finished dinner and enjoyed, for the first time in my life, a really prime cigar, when Hewson came into the library, evidently wishing to see me.
"I thought I had better tell you.

Sir Edgar, that Mademoiselle d'Aubergne is in the drawing-room." I looked at him in astonishment.
"Who is Mademoiselle d'Aubergne ?" I asked.
"Do you not know, Sir Edgar ?" he said, in great surprise.
"I have never even heard the name," I replied.
"Mademoiselle is the daughter of the late Sir Barnard's cousin; she has been living here for the past five years.

Sir Barnard, I believe, adopted her.

I thought perhaps Messrs.