Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/268

 It was obvious to suppose that Clithero had gone abroad for a short time, and would speedily return; or perhaps some engagement had detained him at his labour later than usual: I therefore seated myself on some straw near the fire, which, with a woollen rug, appeared to constitute his only bed. The rude bedstead which I formerly met with was gone; the slender furniture, likewise, which had then engaged my attention, had disappeared: there was nothing capable of human use but a heap of faggots in the corner, which seemed intended for fuel. How slender is the accommodation which Nature has provided for man! and how scanty is the portion which our physical necessities require!

While ruminating upon this scene, and comparing past events with the objects before me, the dull whistling of the gale without gave place to the sound of footsteps. Presently the door opened, and Clithero entered the apartment. His aspect and guise were not essentially different from those which he wore when an inhabitant of Solebury.

To find his hearth occupied by another, appeared to create the deepest surprise. He looked at me without any tokens of remembrance! His features assumed a more austere expression; and after scowling on my person for a moment, he withdrew his eyes, and placing in a corner a bundle which he bore in his hand, he turned, and seemed preparing to withdraw.

I was anxiously attentive to his demeanour; and as soon as I perceived his purpose to depart, leaped on my feet to prevent it. I took his hand, and affectionately pressing it, said—"Do you not know me? Have you so soon forgotten me who is truly your friend?"

He looked at me with some attention; but again withdrew his eyes, and placed himself in silence on the seat which I had left. I seated myself near him; and a pause of mutual silence ensued.

My mind was full of the purpose that brought me hither; but I knew not in what manner to communicate my ideas: several times I opened my lips to speak, but my perplexity continued, and suitable words refused to suggest themselves. At length I said, in a confused tone