Page:Tragical history of George Barnwell (1).pdf/12

 a second was the sitting, eating, and sleeping room for her master; and the third was his study. George rang at the iron-gate; the aged dame appeared at a window, and demanded his business. Having informed her master, the youth was admitted. He was conducted to an apartment, where Sarah (his old domestic) told him that Mental would come to him.—After some time spent in contemplating the motly furniture of the appartment, George ventured to call Sarah, and informed her, that if her master was then engaged he would take another opportunity of waiting on him. "As for that, Sir, come when you will, you will find him at his studies."—"Shall I go to him?" said George. "God forbid!" exclaimed Sarah; "I have been here these twenty years, and no living soul but himself has been in that Study.—" At this moment Mental entered the room. "Are you really come?" said he. "Has curiosty urged your compliance with my request ?—Be honest Sir, your doubtless wondered how an old fellow like myself could at first sight take an attachment to your countenance. Now, tell me, Sir, frankly, what kind of man you think me!""Forming solely from appearances, my ideas," replied Barnwell, "I should suppose you a disappointed man, whom misfortune had induced to quarrel with the world."The very notions" said Mental, 'I should have imbibed had I seen my present resemblance at your age, for then I viewed mankind through the same fairy talescope that you do now; then my delighted fancy saw such guests on earth as friendship, sympathy, and love. 'Tis delusion all!—Do