But as for pen and ink--" "You mistake me," interrupted Mr.Fogo, with a painful flush.
He paused irresolutely, and then added, in a softer tone, "Would you mind taking a seat in the window here, Caleb?
I have something to say to you." Caleb obeyed.

For a moment or two there was silence as Mr.Fogo stood up before his servant.

The light of the candle on the chest beside him but half revealed his face.

When at last he spoke it was in a heavy, mechanical tone.
"You guessed once," he said, "and rightly, that a woman was the cause of my seclusion in this place.

In such companionship as ours, it would have been difficult--even had I wished it--to keep up the ordinary relations of master and man; and more than once you have had opportunities of satisfying whatever curiosity you may have felt about my--my past.