And you are not to suppose that it will
entail any interruption or intrusion on you, for that is far from
my intention.'
Neville replied that he was greatly obliged, and that he thankfully
accepted the kind proposal.
'I am very glad to take your windows in tow,' said the Lieutenant.
'From what I have seen of you when I have been gardening at mine,
and you have been looking on, I have thought you (excuse me) rather
too studious and delicate. May I ask, is your health at all
affected?'
'I have undergone some mental distress,' said Neville, confused,
'which has stood me in the stead of illness.'
'Pardon me,' said Mr. Tartar.
With the greatest delicacy he shifted his ground to the windows
again, and asked if he could look at one of them. On Neville's
opening it, he immediately sprang out, as if he were going aloft
with a whole watch in an emergency, and were setting a bright
example.
'For Heaven's sake,' cried Neville, 'don't do that! Where are you
going Mr. Tartar? You'll be dashed to pieces!'
'All well!' said the Lieutenant, coolly looking about him on the
housetop. 'All taut and trim here. Those lines and stays shall be
rigged before you turn out in the morning. May I take this short
cut home, and say good-night?'
'Mr. Tartar!' urged Neville. 'Pray! It makes me giddy to see
you!'
But Mr. Tartar, with a wave of his hand and the deftness of a cat,
had already dipped through his scuttle of scarlet runners without
breaking a leaf, and 'gone below.
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