She declined to state a price, whereupon he placed two pieces of money in her hand, and when she saw their value she showered him with thanks and called down blessings on his head.
In this manner the stranger placed himself right with the widow, whom he engaged in further conversation as he stretched his booted feet to the fire and sipped his steaming drink.
“At this season I presume few are the visitors who come here to stop?” he questioned.
“Few ye ma’ weel say,” she nodded.
“Is your house empty at the present time?”
“Na, na! not quite sa bad as that.”
“Then you have some guests?”
“I ha’ twa.”
“Two? How long have they been with you, madam?”
“They came three days gone, sir.”