The servant led me through an outer hall into a great room full of people.

A few candles in tall candlesticks burned down the length of a table, round which sat a score of gentlemen.

The scarlet negro went to the tablehead, and said something to the master, who rose and came to meet me.
"I am storm-stayed," I said humbly, "and I left my boat on the shore and came inland to look for a supper." "You shall get it," he said heartily.

"Sit down, and my servants will bring you what you need." "But I am not fit to intrude, sir.

A weary traveller is no guest for such a table." "Tush, man," he cried, "when did a Virginian think the worse of a man for his clothes?
Sit down and say no more.