At length he said, "It is now time for you to take some refreshment.

I hear my old servant coming up with your breakfast." In a moment the elderly female entered with a tray, on which was some bread and butter, a teapot and cup.

The cup was of common blue earthenware, but the pot was of china, curiously fashioned, and seemingly of great antiquity.

The old man poured me out a cupful of tea, and then, with the assistance of the woman, raised me higher, and propped me up with pillows.

I ate and drank; when the pot was emptied of its liquid (it did not contain much), I raised it up with my left hand to inspect it.