Often, too often, the irony of circumstances brings together, on this
earthly scene, the opposite types of vice and virtue. A lying landlady
and a guest incapable of deceit were looking at each other across a
narrow table; equally unconscious of the immeasurable moral gulf that
lay between them, Influenced by honourable feeling, innocent Hugh
Mountjoy lashed the landlady's greed for money to the full-gallop of
human cupidity.
"I don't think you are aware of the value of your wine," he said. "I
have claret in my cellar which is not so good as this, and which costs
more than you have asked. It is only fair to offer you seven-and-sixpence
a bottle."
When an eccentric traveller is asked to pay a price, and deliberately
raises that price against himself, where is the sensible
woman--especially if she happens to be a widow conducting an
unprofitable business--who would hesitate to improve the opportunity?
The greedy landlady raised her terms.
"On reflection, sir, I think I ought to have ten shillings a bottle, if
you please."
"The wine may be worth it," Mountjoy answered quietly; "but it is more
than I can afford to pay. No, ma'am; I will leave you to find some
lover of good claret with a longer purse than mine."
It was in this man's character, when he said No, to mean No. Mr.
Mountjoy's hostess perceived that her crazy customer was not to be
trifled with. She lowered her terms again with the headlong hurry of
terror. "You shall have it, Sir, at your own price," said this entirely
shameless and perfectly respectable woman.
The bargain having been closed under these circumstances, the
landlady's daughter knocked at the door. "I took your letter myself,
sir," she said modestly; "and here is the answer." (She had seen Miss
Henley, and did not think much of her.) Mountjoy offered the expression
of his thanks, in words never to be forgotten by a sensitive young
person, and opened his letter. It was short enough to be read in a
moment; but it was evidently a favourable reply. He took his hat in a
hurry, and asked to be shown the way to Mr. Vimpany's house.