She put out a strong, sympathetic hand and touched his.
"Now, kinsman," she said, "you do not utter a word until you are properly refreshed. Here is soup of the very best. Here is a mutton chop which I have specially ordered for you. Here is the last asparagus in my garden, and here is what will do you more good than anything else—a bottle of very old port left to me by my father. Now, eat, man, eat and drink. Afterwards we will go into Confidence next door and you shall tell me your story."
"You always were a strong-minded woman, Jane," said the Rector.
"Yes," replied Jane Faithful. "Now, take your soup."
So the Rector found a sudden sense of support, of support both mental and physical, first in the presence of this brave, good, strong-minded woman, and, second, in the excellent food she provided.
He ate his chop and his asparagus and drank a glass of the excellent port wine.
"Upon my word, Jane," he said, when he had finished, "you do know how to treat a tired man."
"Yes, you are better now. You are staying at Felicity for the night."
"I wish I could; but I must get back to London." "You can't do it, kinsman; there is no train."