Lest, however, his design in the painting itself should be at all questionable, he had taken the wise precaution of showing what was meant by printing the words "Golden Egg" in huge Roman letters, beneath it; these, in turn, being placed above another inscription, promising "Entertainment for man and horse." But the night had now closed in, and coffee was in progress.

Ralph took his seat with the rest of the lodgers, though without partaking of the feast.

Rivers did not make his appearance, much to the chagrin of the youth, who was excessively desirous to account for the curious observance of this man.

He had some notion, besides, that the former was not utterly unknown to him; for, though unable to identify him with any one recollection, his features (what could be seen of them) were certainly not unfamiliar.

After supper, requesting Forrester's company in his chamber, he left the company--not, however, without a few moments' chat with Lucy Munro and her aunt, conducted with some spirit by the former, and seemingly to the satisfaction of all.