Presently my friend came up to me; my curiosity
could no longer be restrained.
"Pray, my good sir, what peculiar cause, may I ask, have you for showing
me, an entire stranger to you, all this unexpected kindness? I am fully
aware that I have no claim on you."
"My good boy, you say true; but I have spent the greatest part of my life
in London, although a Hamburgher born, and I consider you, therefore, in
the light of a countryman. Besides, I will not conceal that your gallant
bearing before Davoust riveted my attention, and engaged my good wishes."
"But how come you to have so much influence with the general, I mean?"
"For several reasons," he replied. "For those, amongst others, you heard
the colonel--who has taken the small liberty of turning me out of my own
house in Hamburgh--mention last night at supper. But a man like Davoust
cannot be judged of by common rules. He has, in short, taken a fancy to
me, for which you may thank your stars although your life has been
actually saved by the Prince having burned his fingers,--But here comes
my father."
A venerable old man entered the room, leaning on his stick. I was
introduced in due form.
"He had breakfasted in his own room," he said, "having been ailing; but he
could not rest quietly, after he had heard there was an Englishman in the
house, until he had himself welcomed him."
I shall never forget the kindness I experienced from these worthy people.
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