And rather proud of the great man's interest in him, he pressed closer to his side and addressed him with a confidence which something in his companion's bearing kept from being too free. They were the beat friends in the world by the time they had sat together half an hour in the manor-house parlour. There was not a single thing left untold about Giles or himself, Dick considered. There were a great many questions to be asked of Giles's master, only unfortunately Dick was so sleepy that no words could come to his mind. He was annoyed to find that while the gentleman spoke to him his head would nod, and that, unless he rubbed his eyes very hard and very frequently, the room and the gentleman kept fading out of sight. He tried to sit straight on the cushioned window-seat, but found himself slipping down in a most undignified manner over and over again. "I should think a person might keep awake better," he said in an anxiously polite tone, "had he his head on--a--a--level with--with--" "With the said person's feet," suggested the gentleman. "Decidedly." Before Dick could make any effort to achieve the desired position he found himself lying full-length on the cushions, in the most restful attitude imaginable, with a cloak thrown over him. "I fancy," the gentleman observed gravely, "that a person could keep awake better did he first sleep." Dick closed his eyes. "Will you tell me when Giles comes, sir?" he said. "I must be ready to run out and meet him. Dear Giles!" "It seems to me you love Giles from the bottom of your heart, and don't give the least trifle to any other creature." Dick curled himself into more luxurious comfort. "Is no one else," he observed. "No father or mother, I am aware," said the gentleman thoughtfully; "but have you not a brother?" "No," said Dick sleepily; "he's dead." "Oh, then Giles has it all, has he? None left over for--the King, for instance?" and the gentleman twisted his moustache and regarded him with an amused expression. "The King? No," said Dick solemnly. "One would not love a king, you know. 'Tis not possible. One would fear the King--" "I see," said the gentleman, inclining his head. "But I think I love you, sir," Dick said shyly. "Giles does--and Giles--" His eyes closed just as he felt the gentleman's hand on his hair. "Then there's nothing to complain of, Dick," he heard him saying, and then was asleep in a second.