"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.




CHAPTER III. Breakfast next morning.

--Woodward, on his way Home, meets a Stranger.--Their Conversation.


The next morning he joined the family in the breakfast parlor, where he
was received with much kindness and attention. The stranger was a young
man, probably about twenty-seven, well made, and with features that must
be pronounced good; but, from whatever cause it proceeded, they were
felt to be by no means agreeable. It was impossible to quarrel with, or
find fault with them; their symmetry was perfect; the lip well defined,