Cedarville ought to present me with a silver pitcher; and that,
for one, he would contribute ten dollars for that purpose."

The ringing of the supper bell interrupted further conversation;
and with the best of appetites, I took my way to the room, where a
plentiful meal was spread. As I entered, I met the wife of Simon
Slade, just passing out, after seeing that every thing was in
order. I had not observed her before; and now could not help
remarking that she had a flushed, excited countenance, as if she
had been over a hot fire, and was both worried and fatigued. And
there was, moreover, a peculiar expression of the mouth, never
observed in one whose mind is entirely at ease--an expression that
once seen is never forgotten. The face stamped itself instantly on
my memory; and I can even now recall it with almost the original
distinctness. How strongly it contrasted with that of her smiling,
self-satisfied husband, who took his place at the head of his
table with an air of conscious importance. I was too hungry to
talk much, and so found greater enjoyment in eating than in
conversation. The landlord had a more chatty guest by his side,
and I left them to entertain each other, while I did ample justice
to the excellent food with which the table was liberally provided.

After supper I went to the sitting-room, and remained there until
the lamps were lighted. A newspaper occupied my time for perhaps
half an hour; then the buzz of voices from the adjoining bar-room,
which had been increasing for some time, attracted my attention,
and I went in there to see and hear what was passing. The first
person upon whom my eyes rested was young Hammond, who sat talking
with a man older than himself by several years. At a glance, I saw
that this man could only associate himself with Willy Hammond as a