CHAPTER XXIX. A DINNER-PARTY SUB ROSA. 

In less than a week's time I was master of the state of affairs at Borden Tower. Dr. Randall, with the best possible intentions, was the worst possible man that could have been chosen for the guardianship of two such pupils as Lord Silchester and Leonard de Cartienne. He was a scholar and a pedant, utterly unsuspicious and ignorant of the ways of the world, himself so truthful and honourable that he could scarcely have imagined deceit possible in others, and certainly not in his own wards. Of the servants, James and his wife were the only ones in authority, and they were the tools of de Cartienne. 

The latter I could not quite understand. The only thing about him perfectly clear was that he was just the worst companion possible for Silchester. For the rest, he was so clever that his presence here at all as a pupil seemed unnecessary. He appeared to be rich and he took a deep interest of some sort in Cecil. Seemingly it was a friendly interest, but of that I did not feel assured. At any rate, it was an injurious association for Cecil, and I determined to do everything in my power to counteract it. 

To strike at once, to attempt to show him the folly of the courses into which he was being led, I saw would be futile. I must have time and opportunity. Any violent measures in such a case would be worse than useless. My only course, obnoxious though it was, was to join them in their pursuits and try to gain some sort of influence over Cecil, while I kept him as far as possible from falling into further mischief. 
What did the narrator master? How long it took him? Who was not a good choice? Did he have good intentions? What was he not good for? Of how many? Who were they? Was Randall a knowledgeable man? Was he a suspicious man? Was he a worldly man? Was he kind of naive? Who was one of the servants? Was he accompanied by someone? Who was a bad companion for Silchester? Was he out of place as a pupil? Was he smarter than others? Did he look wealthy? Who was his interest? Was it good for Cecil? Did the narrator want to influence Cecil?
the state of affairs at Borden Tower less than a week Dr. Randall Yes guardian two Lord Silchester and Leonard de Cartienne Yes No No Yes James his wife de Cartienne Yes Yes Yes Cecil No Yes