I paced about the room waiting for Theresa to return, when I at least expected she would enter into a full explanation of her extraordinary behaviour. Half-an-hour passed, and I was still alone. The grounds looked tempting; I entered them, and began with regular steps to measure the wide extent of the lawn, cudgelling my brains the while for a clue to Theresa’s conduct, and reviling the sluggish habits of my uncle, which delayed my hope of being enlightened. Presently O’Twist came out of the house. He approached me with the most humble aspect that can be figured, and on my halting, stood still, twitching a fore-lock. “I humbly ax your honour’s pardon for de liberty I took wid your honour last night. It wor all a mistake, sor; and Miss Theresa’s bid me come to you now and apoologise.” “What do you mean by a mistake?” I inquired, severely. “Why, sor, I was desired to kape me eye upon you, and at night-time to look in upon your honour in bed, to see dat de moon didn’t shine upon your head, sor; for I was tould dat you were not in your right sinses, and dat de moon so excited your honour, dat dere was no telling what moorderous thricks you moightn’t be playin’ wid de household.” “And who told you all this?” “Miss Theresa, and she bid me tell you it was herself as set me to watch you, sor.” “Oh!” I exclaimed, a light beginning to break. “And did she order you to take my razor away?” “Dat was me own sthrategem.” “And pray how come you to find out now that I am not mad?” “Why, yer honour, you’re not de gintleman Miss Theresa tort you. I’m sure, sir, I’m very much ashamed of de inconvainance and throuble I’ve put your honour tew, and most humbly ax your pardon.” Here his hand vibrated at his forehead. “All right; say no more. I can see you are not to blame,” I replied, inwardly grappling with a very elusive idea that had been suggested by the man’s apologies. He retired, looking very contrite and ashamed, and I resumed my walk. It was clear now that my first perceptions of my cousin’s character were right, and that the extravagant part she had played was assumed, though for what motive I had yet to learn. Before long, O’Twist came out again, and asked me, with an air of obsequious deference, if I would take breakfast. “I’ll wait,” I answered, “for my uncle,” who, as I spoke, threw open his bed-room window, waved his hand, and called out that he would be with me in a few minutes. Those few minutes lasted a long time. I grew so tired of waiting; that I returned to the house. It was nearly half-past ten, and I had not breakfasted! What is the meaning of all this? I thought. Is it my uncle’s turn now to play me a trick? At last I heard his boots creaking on the stairs, and he came into the room slowly, with the air of a man oppressed with trouble.