slightly made, elderly man, at
least fifty, with pleasant features, a calm appearance, and quiet
manners--a person evidently at home with the world. I recollected at the
same moment, that the stranger had been at the hotel ever since my
arrival there, although I had not, from his unobtrusive habit, given him
more than a passing notice. His appearance at once dispelled the frown
which I had brought to bear upon him; but when he answered my stare with
a respectful yet half familiar bow, I could have sworn that it came
from an old acquaintance. I need not say that I returned the salutation
cordially. At the same time my new friend rose, came towards me, and
held out his hand.

"I am quite sure," he said, "that you are an American--perhaps a New
Englander; _I_ am both; why, then, should not countrymen beguile an
unpleasant day in company? Excuse me--I did hear your order just now,
and as it suited my own taste, I proposed to myself that we should
breakfast together;--we may trust to Francois; he has been here, to my
knowledge, more than twenty years, and pleases every body."

I pressed the hand of my new acquaintance--acknowledged myself to be
from New Hampshire--gave my name, and received in return--"Philip
Belcher."

We sat down to the same table, and very soon Francois appeared with a
well-served breakfast.

"Pray," said I, "what _can_ one do to relieve the monotony of this
intolerable place? If the country about were agreeable--nay, if it were
bearable! but as it is, I repeat, what is to be done?"

"Done!" said Mr. Belcher, rather sharply, "a hundred things! Put on your
Mackintosh and overshoes; come with me to the Courtgain, and see the
fishermen putting to sea, their boats towed out by their wives and
daughters; a sight, I will be bound, you have not beheld, although you
may have coursed Europe over, and been at Calais half a dozen times."

Mr. Belcher proceeded in this vein, detailing many things that could be
seen to advantage even in Calais; but as he suggested nothing which
interested me so much as he himself did, I had the boldness to tell him
so, and that my curiosity was excited to know more of him.

"There is nothing in my history that can amuse a stranger; indeed, it is
without incident or marvel. To be sure, I am alone in the world, but I
have never been afflicted, or suffered misfortune, within my
recollection. My parents died when I was very young; my father and
mother were both only children; a s