"I stayed to explain my presence in the house, sir," he said.
"I am a lover of reading, and, knowing my weakness, your overseer, who keeps the keys of the house, has been so good as to let me, from time to time, come here to this room to mingle in more delectable company than I can choose without these walls.

Your Honor doubtless remembers yonder goodly assemblage ?" He motioned with his hand toward a half-opened door, showing a closet lined with well-filled bookshelves.
"I remember," replied Haward dryly.

"So you come to my room alone at night, and occupy yourself in reading?
And when you are wearied you refresh yourself with my wine ?" As he spoke he clinked together the bottle and glass that stood beside the books.
"I plead guilty to the wine," answered the intruder, as lifelessly as ever, "but it is my only theft.

I found the bottle below, and did not think it would be missed.

I trust that your Honor does not grudge it to a poor devil who tastes Burgundy somewhat seldomer than does your Worship.
And my being in the house is pure innocence.