Just as I returned to the house, the bell rang from within.
"Joyful sound!" said the man, and in he marched. I followed close
behind him. On one end of the table, in the kitchen, supper was
set for one person, and, as the man entered, Euphemia motioned him
to the table. The supper looked like a remarkably good one. A cup
of coffee smoked by the side of the plate; there was ham and eggs
and a small omelette; there were fried potatoes, some fresh
radishes, a plate of hot biscuit, and some preserves. The man's
eyes sparkled.
"I am sorry," said he, "that I am to eat alone, for I hoped to have
your good company; but, if this plan suits you, it suits me," and
he drew up a chair.
"Stop!" said Euphemia, advancing between him and the table. "You
are not to eat that. This is a sample supper. If you order a
supper like it, one will be served to you in two weeks."
At this I burst into a roar of laughter; my wife stood pale and
determined, and the man drew back, looking first at one of us, and
then at the other.
"Am I to understand--?" he said.
"Yes," I interrupted, "you are. There is nothing more to be said
on this subject. You may go now. You came here to annoy us,
knowing that we did not entertain travelers, and now you see what
you have made by it," and I opened the door.
The man evidently thought that a reply was not necessary, and he
walked out without a word. Taking up his valise, which he had put
in the hall, he asked if there was any public-house near by.
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