and so it was with an unconquerable sense of pride that he reigned over them with sincere fastidiousness : he hovered constantly , learning their names and using them as much as possible , whispering reassuringly and giggling ; he ate with them at every mealtime , insisting that each finish his or her portions before he took the food away ; he soon even began sleeping on a bed of rocks in the corner of the room , ready to awaken at a moments notice in case his assistance was suddenly required .