Several times had this Vulcan been burnt out, yet
the materials were easily replaced; and again and again the hovel arose
in all its pristine ugliness and disorder.
Darby was just kindling his fire: a merry-making overnight had trenched
upon morning duties, and daylight found him still stretched on his
pallet. Subsequent to this a noisy troop from the hall had roused him
from a profound slumber.
"St George and the Virgin protect thee, honest friend!" said the
pilgrim, as he stood by an opening, just then performing the functions
of both door and chimney. Darby's perceptions being much impeded by the
smoke, he hastily approached the door. His surprise manifested itself
aloud, yet did he not forget a becoming reverence to the stranger, as he
invited him into the only apartment, besides his workshop, of which the
roof could boast. It served for parlour, bedchamber, and kitchen; where
the presiding deity, Grim's helpmate, carried on her multifarious
operations.
The officious housewife fetched a joint-stool, first clearing it from
dust, whilst her husband added a billet to the heap. She was just
preparing breakfast.
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