Page:Affecting history of an inn-keeper in Normandy.pdf/7

(7) to pay a few viſits in the town, and would take a more favourable opportunity to ſatisfy every enquiry of his hoſt.

About ten o'clock at night the gentleman returned to his inn, and told the landlord, that he had invited ſeveral friends to dinner the next day. Wherefore he directed a plentiful and elegant entertainment to be provided. At this protracted ſtay of his gueſt the innholder ſecretly rejoiced, hoping thereby to hear many particulars about his boy in the Netherlands. The officer complaining of fatigue, and deſiring to be conducted to his bedchamber, the man of the houſe catched up a candle, and lighted him to his apartment. No ſooner were they both entered, but the gentleman drew a purſe of gold from his pocket, and gave it to the landlord, with a charge to take care of ſo valuable a depoſit. Then wiſhing him a good night, and reminding him of the morrow's engagements, he ſhut the door, and haſtened into bed.

The following day the Abbe called upon his brother, and with great complacency in his countenance, enquired after the Officer's health. The innkeeper told him, that the Officer was well, and had ſet out early in the morning on his return to the army. It is impoſſible, rejoined the Abbe with a ſmile. That very Officer will moſt aſſuredly dine with you to day, and give you ſuch a hiſtory