as; and Mrs. Haller said
I must be sure not to blab, or say that she had sent it. Well, well, she
may be easy for that matter; not a word shall drop from my lips. Mrs.
Haller is charming, but silly, if father is right; for father says, "He,
that spends his money is not wise," but "he that gives it away, is stark
mad."

_Enter the STRANGER, from the Lodge, followed by FRANCIS.--At
sight of PETER, the STRANGER stops, and looks suspiciously at
him. PETER stands opposite to him, with his mouth wide open. At
length he takes off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the Hut._

_Stra._ Who is that?

_Fra._ The steward's son.

_Stra._ Of the Castle?

_Fra._ Yes.

_Stra._ [_After a pause._] You were--you were speaking last night--

_Fra._ Of the old countryman?

_Stra._ Ay.

_Fra._ You would not hear me out.

_Stra._ Proceed.

_Fra._ He is poor.

_Stra._ Who told you so?

_Fra._ Himself.

_Stra._ [_With acrimony._] Ay, ay; he knows how to tell his story, no
doubt.

_Fra._ And to impose, you think?

_Stra._ Right!

_Fra._ This man does not.

_Stra._ Fool!

_Fra._ A feeling fool is better than a cold sceptic.

_Stra._ False!

_Fra._ Charity begets gratitude.

_Stra._ False!

_Fra._ And blesses the giver more than the receiver.

_Stra._ True.

_Fra._ Well, sir. This countryman--

_Stra._ Has he complained to you?

_Fra._ Yes.

_Stra._ He, who is really unhappy, never complains. [_Pauses._] Francis,
you have had means of education beyond your lot in life, and hence you
are encouraged to attempt imposing on me:--but go on.

_Fra._ His only son has been taken from him.

_Stra._ Taken from him?

_Fra._ By the exigency of the times, for a soldier.

_Stra._ Ay!

_Fra._ The old man is poor.--

_Stra._ 'Tis likely.

_Fra._ Sick and forsaken.

_Stra._ I cannot help him.

_Fra._ Yes.

_Stra._ How?

_Fra._ By money. He may buy his son's release.

_Stra._ I'll see him myself.

_Fra._ Do so.

_Stra._ But if he is an impostor!

_Fra._ He is not.

_Stra._ In that hut?

_Fra._ In that hut. [_STRANGER goes into the Hut._] A good master,
though one almost loses the use of speech by living with him. A man kind
and clear--though I cannot understand him. He rails against the whole
world, and yet no beggar leaves his door unsatisfied. I have now lived
three years with him, and yet I know not who he is. A hater of society,
no doubt; but not by Providence intended to