"I am very well, sir."
"Why did you not come and speak to me in the room?"
I thought I might have retorted the question on him who put it: but I would not take that freedom. I answered:—
"I did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed engaged, sir."
"What have you been doing during my absence?"
"Nothing particular: teaching Adèle as usual."
"And getting a good deal paler than you were—as I saw at first sight. What is the matter?"
"Nothing at all, sir."
"Did you take any cold that night you half drowned me?"
"Not the least."
"Return to the drawing-room: you are deserting too early,"
"I am tired, sir."
He looked at me for a minute.
"And a little depressed;" he said, "What about? Tell me."
"Nothing—nothing, sir. I am not depressed."
"But I affirm that you are: so much de-
