[Uncle Silas by J. S. LeFanu]@TWC D-Link bookUncle Silas CHAPTER II 1/7
_UNCLE SILAS_ When we reached the drawing-room, I resumed my chair, and my father his slow and regular walk to and fro, in the great room.
Perhaps it was the uproar of the wind that disturbed the ordinary tenor of his thoughts; but, whatever was the cause, certainly he was unusually talkative that night. After an interval of nearly half an hour, he drew near again, and sat down in a high-backed arm-chair, beside the fire, and nearly opposite to me, and looked at me steadfastly for some time, as was his wont, before speaking; and said he-- 'This won't do--you must have a governess.' In cases of this kind I merely set down my book or work, as it might be, and adjusted myself to listen without speaking. 'Your French is pretty well, and your Italian; but you have no German. Your music may be pretty good--I'm no judge--but your drawing might be better--yes--yes.
I believe there are accomplished ladies--finishing governesses, they call them--who undertake more than any one teacher would have professed in my time, and do very well.
She can prepare you, and next winter, then, you shall visit France and Italy, where you may be accomplished as highly as you please.' 'Thank you, sir.' 'You shall.
It is nearly six months since Miss Ellerton left you--too long without a teacher.' Then followed an interval. 'Dr.Bryerly will ask you about that key, and what it opens; you show all that to _him_, and no one else.' 'But,' I said, for I had a great terror of disobeying him in ever so minute a matter, 'you will then be absent, sir--how am I to find the key ?' He smiled on me suddenly--a bright but wintry smile--it seldom came, and was very transitory, and kindly though mysterious. 'True, child; I'm glad you are so wise; _that_, you will find, I have provided for, and you shall know exactly where to look.
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