She was no little surprised, on entering, to find herself in a stately hall, clean and comfortable, and lighted and warmed by a cheerful fire of fagots in its centre.

Near the fire stood a table, neatly spread with a white cloth, on which were placed glasses and a pitcher of fresh spring-water.

Beside the table a couch, rude but comfortable, had been prepared for her repose.
"Aaron, you are a magician!" cried the young girl.

"Where did you get all these things ?" At this question the good man nearly let the cat out of the bag by explaining that everything had long since been in readiness for their coming.

But he checked himself and considered his answer a moment.