ting an acquaintance?' said the stranger.

There is nothing like putting a good face upon these matters, thought I
to myself; and, getting up, I bowed to the unknown. 'Sir,' said I, 'when
I told Jenny that she might lay the table-cloth for two, so that in the
event of any acquaintance dropping in he might find a knife and fork
ready for him, I was merely jocular, being an entire stranger in these
parts, and expecting no one. Fortune, however, it would seem, has been
unexpectedly kind to me; I flatter myself, sir, that since you have been
in this room I have had the honour of making your acquaintance; and in
the strength of that hope I humbly entreat you to honour me with your
company to dinner, provided you have not already dined.'

The stranger laughed outright.

'Sir,' I continued, 'the round of beef is a noble one, and seems
exceedingly well boiled, and the landlord was just right when he said I
should have such a dinner as is not seen every day. A round of beef, at
any rate such a round of beef as this, is seldom seen smoking upon the
table in these degenerate times. Allow me, sir,' said I, observing that
the stranger was about to speak, 'allow me another remark. I think I saw
you just now touch the fork; I venture to hail it as an omen that you
will presently seize it, and apply it to its proper purpose, and its
companion the knife also.'

The stranger changed colour, and gazed upon me in silence.

'Do, sir,' here put in the landlord; 'do, sir, accept the young
gentleman's invitation. Your honour has of late been looking poorly, and
the young gentleman is a funny young gentleman, and a clever young
gentleman; and I think it will do your honour good to have a dinner's
chat with the young gentleman.'

'It is not my dinner hour,' said the stranger; 'I dine considerably
later; taking anything now would only discompose me; I shall, however, be
most happy to sit down with the young gentleman; reach me that paper,
and, when the young gentleman has satisfied his appetite, we may perhaps
have a little chat together.'

The landlord handed the stranger the newspaper, and, bowing, retired with
his maid Jenny. I helped myself to a portion of the smoking round, and
commenced eating with no little appetite. The stranger appeared to be
soon engrossed with the newspaper. We continued thus a considerable
time--the one reading and the other dining. Chancing suddenly to cast my
eyes upon the stranger, I saw his brow c