"
"I have to apologize, sir, for this trouble," replied the stranger, "and
to thank you most sincerely for the kindness of the reception you and
your lady have given to an utter stranger."
"Do not mention it, sir," said Mr. Goodwin; "come, put on a dry coat and
waistcoat, and, in the meantime, refreshments will be on the table in a
few minutes. The servants are all up and will attend at once."
The stranger refused, however, to change his clothes, but in a few
minutes an abundant cold supper, with wine and spirits, were placed upon
the table, to all of which he did such ample justice that it would seem
as if he had not dined that day. The table having been cleared, Mr.
Goodwin joined him in a glass of hot brandy and water, and succeeded
in pressing him to take a couple more, whilst his wife, he said, was
getting a bed and room prepared for him. Their! chat for the next
half hour consisted in a discussion of the storm, which, although much
abated, was not yet over. At length, after an intimation that his room
was ready for him, he withdrew, accompanied by a servant, got into an
admirable bed, and in a few minutes was fast asleep.
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