It occurred to him then, for the first time, that he had never seen exactly that kind of a woman, and that if he should, he would not, probably, fall in love with her.

Perhaps he was thinking of another style of beauty.

But just then someone knocked at the door.

Without rising, he pulled a cord that apparently shot back a bolt, for the door swung open, and a man entered.
The newcomer was broad-shouldered and robust--a vigor not borne out in the face, which, though handsome, was singularly weak, and disfigured by dissipation.

He appeared to be also under the influence of liquor, for he started on seeing Mr.Hamlin, and said, "I thought Kate was here," stammered, and seemed confused and embarrassed.
Mr.Hamlin smiled the smile which he had before worn on the Wingdam coach, and sat up, quite refreshed and ready for business.
"You didn't come up on the stage," continued the newcomer, "did you ?" "No," replied Hamlin; "I left it at Scott's Ferry.