"
"Here is truly a Christian man without," said Content, hurrying to the
postern; which, without a moment's delay, he threw freely open, saying
as he did so, "enter of Heaven's mercy, and be welcome to that we have
to bestow."
A tall, and, by his tread, a heavy man, wrapped in a riding-cloak, bowed
to the greeting, and immediately passed beneath the low lintel. Every eye
was keenly fastened on the stranger, who, after ascending the acclivity a
short distance, paused, while the young men, under their master's orders,
carefully and scrupulously renewed the fastenings of the gate. When bolts
and bars had done their office; Content joined his guest; and after making
another fruitless effort, by the feeble light which fell from the stars,
to scan his person, he said, in his own meek and quiet manner--
"Thou must have great need of warmth and nourishment. The distance from
this valley to the nearest habitation is wearisome, and one who hath
journeyed it, in a season like this, may well be nigh fainting. Follow,
and deal with that we have to bestow as freely as if it were thine own.
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