By degrees the
misery left my head, but the desolation of the heart yet remains."
"Be of good cheer," said I; "through the instrumentality of this
affliction you have learnt Chinese, and, in so doing, learnt to
practise the duties of hospitality. Who but a man who could read
Runes on a teapot, would have received an unfortunate wayfarer as
you have received me?"
"Well," said the old man, "let us hope that all is for the best. I
am by nature indolent, and, but for this affliction, should,
perhaps, have hardly taken the trouble to do my duty to my fellow-
creatures. I am very, very indolent," said he, slightly glancing
towards the clock; "therefore let us hope that all is for the best;
but, oh! these trials, they are very hard to bear."
CHAPTER XXXV
The Leave-taking--Spirit of the Hearth--What's o'Clock?
The next morning, having breakfasted with my old friend, I went
into the stable to make the necessary preparations for my
departure; there, with the assistance of a stable lad, I cleaned
and caparisoned my horse, and then, returning into the house, I
made the old female attendant such a present as I deemed would be
some compensation for the trouble I had caused. Hearing that the
old gentleman was in his study, I repaired to him. "I am come to
take leave of you," said I, "and to thank you for all the
hospitality which I have received at your hands.
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