The light and warmth of the rooms, together with the Count's friendly welcome cleared away all my doubts and fears. Once I had come back to normal, I discovered that I was almost dying of hunger. So I washed quickly and went into the other room.

I found supper already on the table. My host stood on one side of the fireplace, leaning against the stones. He waved his hand gracefully at the table. He said, "Please sit down and eat as much as you want. I hope you will forgive me for not joining you, but I ate at dinnertime, and I do not want a late supper."

I gave the count the letter which Mr. Hawkins had told me to take to him. He opened it and read it. Then, with a charming smile, he handed it to me so that I could read it. One part of the letter made me feel particularly pleased.

"I am sorry to tell you that I have had an attack of an illness which I often get. As a result I will not be able to travel for a long time. But I am happy to say I can send someone who can do the job just as well. He is someone that I trust completely. He is a young man, full of energy, who is a hard worker. Also he has a very trustworthy character. He knows how to keep secrets, and has worked for me since he was a very young man. He shall work for you whenever you need him, and shall take your orders about everything."