Lavengro by George Borrow

Two days -- three days passed away, and I still remained at the house of my hospitable entertainer, my bruised limb rapidly recovering the power of performing its functions. I passed my time agreeably enough, sometimes in my chamber, communing with my own thoughts; sometimes in the stable, attending to, and not unfrequently conversing with, my horse; and at mealtime -- for I seldom saw him at any other -- discoursing with the old gentleman, sometimes on the Chinese vocabulary, sometimes on Chinese syntax, and once or twice on English horseflesh, though on this latter subject, notwithstanding his descent from a race of horse-traders, he did not enter with much alacrity. As a small requital for his kindness, I gave him one day, after dinner, unasked, a brief account of my history and pursuits. He listened with attention, and when it was concluded, thanked me for the confidence which I had reposed in him. "Such conduct," said he, "deserves a return. I will tell you my own history; it is brief, but may perhaps not prove uninteresting to you -- though the relation of it will give me some pain. " "Pray, then, do not recite it," said I. "Yes," said the old man, "I will tell you, for I wish you to know it. " He was about to begin, when he was interrupted by the arrival of the surgeon. The surgeon examined into the state of my bruised limb, and told me, what indeed I already well knew, that it was rapidly improving. "You will not even require a sling," said he, "to ride to Horncastle. When do you propose going? " he demanded. "When do you think I may venture? " I replied. "I think, if you are a tolerably good horseman, you may mount the day after tomorrow," answered the medical man. "By the by, are you acquainted with anybody at Horncastle? " "With no living soul," I answered. "Then you would scarcely find stable-room for your horse. But I am happy to be able to assist you. I have a friend there who keeps a small inn, and who, during the time of the fair, keeps a stall vacant for any quadruped I may bring, until he knows whether I am coming or not. I will give you a letter to him, and he will see after the accommodation of your horse. Tomorrow I will pay you a farewell visit, and bring you the letter. " "Thank you," said I; "and do not forget to bring your bill. " The surgeon looked at the old man, who gave him a peculiar nod. "Oh! " said he, in reply to me, "for the little service I have rendered you, I require no remuneration. You are in my friend's house, and he and I understand each other. " "I never receive such favours," said I, "as you have rendered me, without remunerating them; therefore, I shall expect your bill. " "Oh! just as you please," said the surgeon; and shaking me by the hand more warmly than he had hitherto done, he took his leave.