Here, I think, I had better explain the mechanical means I had at my disposal for the discomfiture and subjugation of Leah. The real reason was that the stool was, for all practical purposes, a rack actuated by hidden machinery and fitted with a most ingenious arrangement of straps, the efficacy of which I looked forward to testing on Leah’s tender self. XXX I left her absolutely alone, and when I had finished my preparations, I quietly seated myself and watched her. But the feature of the stool was its unusual length, a full six feet, and I one day had to satisfy Leah’s curiosity by telling her that this was for the purpose of providing a comfortable seat to anyone who might be turning over for the pianist!




















