"The grasp of your hand at once taught me that you were friendly as
well as a Friend," I replied.

"We should not belie our name, truly. I fear thee did not enjoy our
silent meeting?"

"You are mistaken, sir. It was just the meeting which, as a weary man,
I needed."

"I hope thee wasn't asleep?" he said, with a humorous twinkle in his
honest blue eyes.

"You are quite mistaken again," I answered, smiling; but I should have
been in a dilemma had he asked me if I had been dreaming.

"Thee's a stranger in these parts," he continued, in a manner that
suggested kindness rather than curiosity.

"Possibly this is the day of my fate," I thought, "and this man the
father of my ideal woman." And I decided to angle with my utmost skill
for an invitation.

"You are correct," I replied, "and I much regret that I have wandered
so far from my hotel, for I am not strong,"

"Well, thee may have good cause to be sorry, though we do our best;
but if thee's willing to put up with homely fare and homely people,
thee's welcome to come home with us."