The old maid brightened as she heard footsteps coming through the kitchen, and snatching up the tea-pot, she began pouring out the half-cold beverage into the little earthenware cups which were only produced to regale the Tory guests who graced her house.
“Do come along, and set to, captain—your supper is gitting stun cold,” she said, without raising her eyes from the tea-cups. “I’ve been awaiting this ever so long.”
“I hope that I have made no mistake, my good woman,” replied a strange voice from the door, in answer to her hospitable invitation; “I supposed this to be a public house.”
Aunt Polly set down the tea-pot, her hands dropped to her lap, and her eyes grew large with astonishment; a tall, stately gentleman stood in the doorway, where she had last seen her younger guest; he was evidently of higher rank, and of far more dignified and lofty carriage than any person who had ever before sought the shelter of her roof. His hat was in his hand, and a few grey hairs silvered the dark locks about his high forehead. The expression of his face was that of stern decision, yet there was a softness in his smile as he observed the astonished landlady, which made it almost winning. He advanced into the room with a courteous ease, which Aunt Polly could feel much better than understand.
“I hope I am not mistaken—at least, you will not refuse me a portion of this tempting dish?” he said, laying his hat and riding-whip on the bed.
By this time Aunt Polly had recovered her speech. “There is no mistake, this is a tavern that advertises feed for man and hoss, and does all it promises,” she said, with an accession of pompous hospitality; “so set by, and help yourself to such as there is. I’ve kept public house here these ten years. Don’t stand to be axed, if you want supper—it’s all ready, I began to think that I had cooked it for nothing. You take tea I s’pose from the looks of your coat.”
The stranger seated himself at the table, and took the proffered cup.
“You have prepared for other guests?” he observed as she arose to get another cup and saucer from the closet.
“Yes—Captain Butler will be in purty soon, I reckon; but there’s no calculating when.”
The stranger looked up with a degree of interest when the name was pronounced. “Is it of Captain Walter Butler you speak?” he inquired.