and the whole appearance was so cold and comfortless, that Ferdinand hesitated a moment whether he should accept the offer, and sleep there or not; but the day was shutting in, and he might even lose his way to the monastery, he thought he could be in no hazard of danger, and therefore it would be most prudent to pass that night there, tho' he felt no inclination to prolong his stay, especially as he could hope for no gratification to his curiosity, for the Solitary's heart seemed locked up and carefully guarded. Returning to the lower room they spent the evening together in conversation on various subjects. Ferdinand was pleased with the strong understanding and knowledge of the world which the other displayed; but he observed, on several occasions, that he was decided and peremptory in his opinions, and that he evaded every thing tending to his own situation, and gave not a single instance of that confidence he had at first led his guest to hope for.
At ten o'clock Francis appeared with a lamp, the Gentlemen wished each other a
