I am afraid, as much to my amusement as wonder, I discovered that this
landlady of so much apparent _bonhomie_ was a deaf-mute. If victuals,
or drink, or bed were required, one must chalk it down on a little
slate she carried at her girdle for the purpose. Indeed, the absence
of two of her three chief senses had marvellously sharpened the
remaining one. Her eyes were on all, vaguely dwelling, lightly gone,
inscrutable, strangely fascinating. She moved easily and soundlessly
(as fat women may), and I doubt if ever mug or pot of any of that
talkative throng remained long empty, except at the tippler's
reiterated request.
She laid before me an excellent supper on a little table somewhat
removed beside a curtained window. And while I ate I watched, and
listened, not at all displeased with my entertainment.
The room in which we sat was low-ceiled and cheerful, but rather
close after the rainy night-air. Gay pictures beautified the walls.
Here a bottle, a cheese, grapes, a hare, a goblet--in a clear brown
light that made the guest's mouth water to admire. Here a fine
gentleman toasting a simpering chambermaid.
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