I may digest it the
better, if I sleep on it to-night.'
Rosa, composed now, gave him a faithful account of the interview.
Mr. Grewgious often smoothed his head while it was in progress, and
begged to be told a second time those parts which bore on Helena
and Neville. When Rosa had finished, he sat grave, silent, and
meditative for a while.
'Clearly narrated,' was his only remark at last, 'and, I hope,
clearly put away here,' smoothing his head again. 'See, my dear,'
taking her to the open window, 'where they live! The dark windows
over yonder.'
'I may go to Helena to-morrow?' asked Rosa.
'I should like to sleep on that question to-night,' he answered
doubtfully. 'But let me take you to your own rest, for you must
need it.'
With that Mr. Grewgious helped her to get her hat on again, and
hung upon his arm the very little bag that was of no earthly use,
and led her by the hand (with a certain stately awkwardness, as if
he were going to walk a minuet) across Holborn, and into Furnival's
Inn. At the hotel door, he confided her to the Unlimited head
chambermaid, and said that while she went up to see her room, he
would remain below, in case she should wish it exchanged for
another, or should find that there was anything she wanted.
Rosa's room was airy, clean, comfortable, almost gay. The
Unlimited had laid in everything omitted from the very little bag
(that is to say, everything she could possibly need), and Rosa
tripped down the great many stairs again, to thank her guardian for
his thoughtful and affectionate care of her.
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