Here the wife, a hospitable-looking old woman, interposed.

"Willum, don't ye think as the gentleman might be put to sleep in
the room up at the House, where George slept last time he was here
to see us? His bed's there still, ye know. It's a very good room,
sir," she argued, addressing me; "and I can give ye a pair of
blankets in no time."

"But," said I, "the master of the house doesn't know me. I am a
stranger here altogether."

"Lor' bless ye, sir!" answered my host, "there ain't nobody in the
place. The house has been to let these ten years at least to my
knowledge; for I've been here eight, and the house and the lodge
had both been empty no one knows how long when I come. I rents
this cottage of Mr Houghton, out yonder."

"Oh well," I rejoined, "if that is the case, and there is nobody's
leave save yours to ask, I'm willing enough to sleep at the house,
and thank you too for your kindness."

So it was arranged that I should pass the coming night within the
walls of the empty mansion; and, until it was time to retire thither,
I amused and edified myself by a friendly chat with the old man
and his spouse, both of whom were vastly communicative. At ten
o'clock I and my host adjourned to the house, which stood at a very
short distance from the lodge. I carried my bag, and my companion
bore the blankets already referred to, a candle, and some firewood
and matches. The chamber to which he conducted me was comfortable
enough, but by no means profusely furnished. It contained a small