Access Online - The European Library

152 BLACK SHEEP.Jim Swain engaged in the task of window-cleaning,not very unpleasant in such weather. Hepursuedhis occupation yvith unusual seriousness;the impression of the previous night remainedupon him.The back parlour, called, of course, the"study"in Routh's house, deserved the name asmuch or as little as such rooms ordinarily merit it.The master of the house, at least, used the roomhabitually, reading there a little, and writing agreat deal. He hacl been sittingbefore abureau,which occupied a space to the right of the onlyyvindoyv in the apartment, for some time, yvhenHarriet came to ask him if the boy, yvho yvascleaning the windows, might go on with thatone." Certainly," said Routh, absently;" he won'tdisturb me."It would have required something of moreimportance than the presence of a boy- on theother side of the window to disturb Routh.Hewas arranging papers with the utmost intentness.The drawers of the bureau yvere open on eitherside, the turned-clown desk was covered with