He lay some hours in a kind of fearful expectation of, he knew not what. No sort of noise however invaded his ears, and at length he dropped asleep, from which he was awakened by a voice at the door, telling him breakfast was ready. He was soon dressed, and found the Solitary waiting for him, coffee on the table:—"Did you sleep well?" demanded he.
"Perfectly well," replied Ferdinand, suddenly determined not to mention the cries; "indeed my bed was so very superior to what I have had those last two nights, that no wonder I indulged myself so long this morning."
"You are welcome to use the bed as long as you like," was all the reply. The day became gloomy, and in a short time the snow fell in great quantities; this the Gentleman of the house observed, saying, "you are now weather-bound, and must amuse yourself as well as you can."
