“Tell me, ye winged winds, that round my pathway roam,
  Is there no hotel in Truro where the landlord sells no rum?”

And the answer came, not from the winds she had apostrophized, but from an open window that she had not observed; and the answer was: 

“Fair lady, there is none.”

“There!  I told you that someone would hear you, Dexie,” said Lancy, vexed, yet amused at her behavior.

But Dexie stood as if unable to move, and gazed at the open window in astonishment.

But the owner of the voice now appeared at the door, and Dexie drew a sigh of relief as she saw what a good-natured, smiling face it was that looked into her own.  He never belonged to that house, she felt sure, though it was nothing to his credit to be lounging inside its doors.  However, it was not likely he would consider her remarks as personal, so she slowly regained her composure.

With a profound bow, the gentleman at the window said: 

“There are no hotels such as you speak of in the town, but there are several private boarding-houses where travellers can be made comfortable.  May I have the pleasure of directing you to one?” This to Lancy.

“If it would not be too much trouble, we would be very much obliged,” and Lancy’s natural state of mind slowly returned.

“Oh! no trouble at all,” said the affable stranger; then turning to Dexie he relieved her of her armful of wraps, with a simple “Allow me, please,” and started away with Lancy, who was carrying the so far unused lunch-basket, leaving the girls to follow at their own pace.

“Oh, Dexie! weren’t you startled when that man spoke from the window?” said Elsie.  “I thought I should faint away with fright.”

“It is a good thing that you thought better of it, then, for they would have carried you right back into the hotel, and there would have been no escaping after that.”

“Where do you suppose he will take us?” Elsie asked as they turned a corner.

“Couldn’t say,” was the unconcerned reply; “but as the place looks nicer the farther we go, there is no need to be alarmed.  I hope we will be fortunate enough to secure lodgings on this pretty, tree-shaded street, for flower-gardens are as thick as houses.  Oh, see! he is going into that house with the nice lawn in front of it.”

A moment later they stepped through the gate that Lancy held open for them, while their new friend went briskly up the walk and entered the house in a manner that showed he was quite familiar with the place.

He had told Lancy as they walked along that he could recommend the house where he boarded, and as he gave such a good account of the place, Lancy determined to seek accommodation there.

“But there is one thing I must tell you,” said the smiling stranger.  “Mrs. Morris is pretty sharp of tongue, and may make very strict inquiries as to who was your grandmother, and what calling your great-grandfather followed, before she will allow you to engage rooms.  But do not mind it.  I fancy you can satisfy her on those points.  She is as clean as a new pin and an excellent cook—­two good recommendations, you will allow.”