Mr. Skimpole could play on the piano and the violoncello; and he was a composer – had composed half an opera once, but got tired of it – and played what he composed with taste. After tea we had quite a little concert, in which Richard– who was enthralled by Ada's singing, and told me that she seemed to know all the songs that ever were written – and Mr. Jarndyce, and I, were the audience. After a little while I missed, first Mr. Skimpole, and afterwards Richard; and while I was thinking how could Richard stay away so long, and lose so much, the maid who had given me the keys looked in at the door, saying, ' If you please, miss, could you spare a minute?'
When I was shut out with her in the hall, she said, holding up her hands, 'Oh if you please, miss, Mr. Carstone says would you come up-stairs to Mr. Skimpole's room. He has been took, miss!'
'Took?' said I.
'Took, miss. Sudden,' said the maid.
I was apprehensive that his illness might be of a dangerous kind; but of course, I begged her to be quiet and not disturb any one; and collected myself, as I followed her quickly upstairs, sufficiently to consider what were the best remedies to be applied if it should prove to be a fit. She threw open a door, and I went into a chamber; where, to my unspeakable surprise, instead of finding Mr. Skimpole stretched upon the bed, or prostrate on the floor, I found him standing before the fire smiling at Richard, while Richard, with a face of great embarrassment, looked at a person on the sofa, in a white great-coat, with smooth hair upon his head and not much of it, which he was wiping smoother, and making less of, with a pocket-handkerchief.
'Miss Summerson,' said Richard, hurriedly, 'I am glad you are come. You will be able to advise us. Our friend, Mr. Skimpole – don't be alarmed! – is arrested for debt.'
'And, really, my dear Miss Summerson,' said Mr. Skimpole, with his agreeable candour, 'I never was in a situation, in which that excellent sense, and quiet habit of method and usefulness, which anybody must observe in you who has the happiness of being a quarter of an hour in your society, was more needed.'
The person on the sofa, who appeared to have a cold in his head, gave such a very loud snort, that he startled me.
'Are you arrested for much, sir?' I inquired of Mr. Skimpole.