"I am ready, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, rising at once, and entering the cabin.
The cabin was rough, and ill-adapted to a fastidious tenant, but it looked comfortable. What attracted Miles most, however, was a table set in the middle of the floor, covered with a substantial and appetizing meal. Mrs. Brown was a fair cook—perhaps her only feminine accomplishment. She placed Miles at the head of the table, and seated herself opposite him. She watched his attacks upon the fare she had provided with evident satisfaction.
"I hope you like it," she said.
"Mrs. Brown, I haven't tasted anything so good for a long time."
She nodded, with a pleased look.
"Brown allus liked my cookin," she said. "He had a good appetite most generally, and it was a pleasure to see him eat. It's kinder lonesome cookin' for yourself. Then, too, it takes away my appetite sittin' down alone to eat."
"You must be very lonely, Mrs. Brown."
"Yes, its lonesome like bein' a widder. I'm kinder used to seein' a man about the house."
"So I suppose."
"Be you a married man?" asked the lady, pointedly.