I think I saw you just now touch the fork, I venture to hail it as an omen that you will presently seize it, and apply it to its proper purpose, and its companion the knife also." The stranger changed colour, and gazed upon me in silence.
"Do, sir," here put in the landlord; "do, sir, accept the young gentleman's invitation.

Your honour has of late been looking poorly, and the young gentleman is a funny young gentleman, and a clever young gentleman; and I think it will do your honour good to have a dinner's chat with the young gentleman." "It is not my dinner hour," said the stranger; "I dine considerably later; taking anything now would only discompose me; I shall, however, be most happy to sit down with the young gentleman; reach me that paper, and, when the young gentleman has satisfied his appetite, we may perhaps have a little chat together." The landlord handed the stranger the newspaper, and, bowing, retired with his maid Jenny.

I helped myself to a portion of the smoking round, and commenced eating with no little appetite.

The stranger appeared to be soon engrossed with the newspaper.

We continued thus a considerable time--the one reading and the other dining.