face was suntanned and he was dressed also in satin with a great amount of embroidery on his coat. It was his face which haunted me as I crept back to my room. . . . So handsome.

still

I sat down again after throwing some logs onto the fire. My dog, Butch, came up and cleared away the remainder of the chicken. The time ticked by . the voices sounded from the dining room. And from the kitchens the laughter was getting louder... cook was now having her evening gin.

At nine I could contain my curiosity no longer. I again descended the twisting stairs. This time, as I peeped through the doors, I saw only my father and the elderly gentleman. The table was a litter of bones and scraps-dirty glasses and dishes.

As I crouched there in the hall I heard a step behind me. I quickly straightened up and slipped toward the stairs. But my slipper came off and tumbled noisily down the few steps I had taken.

Nervously I turned around and saw that the young man was watching me, with an amused grin on his lips. I walked slowly down and picked up my slipper. "Good evening. Sir." I whispered and turned to flee back to my room. I was certain my father had heard the commotion.

But the young man held my arm and asked, "Who are you, what are you doing?" "A servant, Sir. I was waiting to see if I could clear away the plates." My face burned red as I uttered the lies. The other nodded, "Oh, I see." Then he laughed. "And do you live up these stairs somewhere? Surely this is the tower I saw from the outside."

"Yes, that's right, I have a room at the top," I replied, wishing he'd let me go. The pressure of his fingers was painful, although pleasant.

Suddenly, from the dining room, I heard my father's voice. "Who is that in the hall?" I tried to struggle away, but the young man pressed a finger to his lips and shouted, "Tis I Squire. I was exploring your beautiful house. I was thinking of walking in the park with your permission."

"Of course my boy" answered father. Then another voice said "Barry, how dare you walk out like this. Squire will think you very ill mannered."

"Nonsense, Captain, your son is free to go where he wishes here. Anyway he is young and needs the fresh air. Whilst we, Sir, finish off the port."

Barry withdrew his head from the doors and closed them softly. "There now, we are free to talk. Why were you so scared? Surely the Squire isn't such a cruel master?"

"Oh, no, Sir" I stuttered. "But being new here, I was afraid he'd be annoyed at my talking with his guests.

Barry laughed again. "Well, now you can show me your charming little room in the tower."

"But you told my fa. I mean the Squire, you were going walking in the park." "He also said I was free to go where I wished. Now, do you show me the tower or do I ask the Squire?"

The pressure of his grip on my arm increased. I swallowed nervously. "Indeed, I meant no disrespect, Sir. Please follow me."

Barry followed me up the twisting stairway. In the darkness I rubbed my arm. But somehow I didn't mind the pain. I stopped outside my door and felt his body press against mine before the door swung open. The smell of cologne came to my nostrils. Warm and inviting perfume. .

Once in the room he stared in surprise at the bookcase, the fire and most of all at Butch, who bounded over and sniffed curiously at Barry's leg. Barry

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