The Landlord's Story

"What wit so sharp is found in youth or age
That can distinguish truth from treachery?
Falsehood puts on the face of simple truth,
And masks i' th' habit of plain honesty,
When she in heart intends most villany."

"Sit down, Mr. Judson; sit down, and tell us all about this matter; and
if we can aid either you or your distressed lodger in any way, we shall
be glad to do so," said Mr. Berners, earnestly.

"Yes, indeed," added Sybil, throwing herself down in her easy-chair,
with a deep breath of relief and anticipation.

"Well, sir, and madam," commenced the landlord, frankly accepting the
offered seat, "the case is this: About ten days ago there arrived in
this city, by the ship Banshee, from Cork, a lady, gentleman, and child,
with two servants, who came directly to this house. The gentleman
registered his party as Mr. and Mrs. Horace Blondelle, child, nurse, and
valet, and he engaged the very best rooms in the house--the rooms
corresponding to these on the opposite side of the passage, you know,
madam."

"Yes," assented Mrs. Berners.

"Well, sir, and Mr. Horace Blondelle ordered, besides the best rooms,
everything else that was best in the house, and, indeed, better than the
house contained; for, for his supper that very night, I had to send by
his directions, and procure Johanesberg, Moselle, and other rare and
costly wines, such as are seldom or never called for here. But then you
know, sir, he was a foreign gentleman."