Between ourselves, I suspect the office will be a sinecure; but Sir George affects literature, and will prove a most liberal patron, were it only for the air of the thing."
"And you have been thinking of me, and planning for my benefit; while, shall I confess, that I have been reproaching you in my secret heart with having forgotten me!" exclaimed Walter, to whose impetuous feelings confession was a relief.
"If you knew," resumed the other, "how my last few weeks have been spent, you would not blame, but pity me. My dear Walter, there is a wretchedness that shuns even its nearest friend: but let us talk of yourself. I have made your going to Sir George a sufficient favour, and taken upon myself all the needful arrangements. Your salary is high; you are to have apartments in the house; and to be the autocrat of the library, where, I shrewdly suspect, your reign will be undisturbed."
"How kind you are!" whispered his listener.
