I never seemed in his way; he did not take fits of chilling hauteur: when he met me unexpectedly, the encounter seemed welcome; he had always a word and sometimes a smile for me: when summoned by formal invitation to his presence, I was honoured by a cordiality of reception that made me feel I really possessed the power to amuse him, and that these evening conferences were sought as much for his pleasure as for my benefit.
Aveva cessato di trattarmi con sprezzo, e quando m'incontrava mi sorrideva e aveva sempre una buona parola da dirmi. Quando m'invitava ad andare da lui, mi riceveva cordialmente, e questo provavami che avevo il potere di divertirlo, e che ricercava le conversazioni della sera per piacere proprio.