John quickly returned, ushering in with great attention and deference (for Mr Haredale was his landlord) the long-expected visitor, who strode into the room clanking his heavy boots upon the floor; and looking keenly round upon the bowing group, raised his hat in acknowledgment of their profound respect.
'You have a stranger here, Willet, who sent to me,' he said, in a voice which sounded naturally stern and deep.

'Where is he ?' 'In the great room upstairs, sir,' answered John.
'Show the way.

Your staircase is dark, I know.

Gentlemen, good night.' With that, he signed to the landlord to go on before; and went clanking out, and up the stairs; old John, in his agitation, ingeniously lighting everything but the way, and making a stumble at every second step.
'Stop!' he said, when they reached the landing.

'I can announce myself.
Don't wait.' He laid his hand upon the door, entered, and shut it heavily.