…was different. My wife had formerly been a cook in good families in the West End, and I had often gone out waiting; so that I had a pretty correct notion of what’s what, and could sum up the social status of a family in the twinkling of an eye, if I could get but one peep at the setting of their dinner-table.”What I saw in this instance perplexed me. The owner of the house was supposed to be a gentleman in a good position, but the setting of the cloth was the worst I’ve ever seen. To begin with, the serviettes were put on anyhow; indeed, I noticed that there were one or two short — the table was set for six, and I could only count four serviettes. Then there was an unnecessary amount of silver, both table and sideboard literally groaning under the weight of it….

…dressed. As I sat down the latter looked up, and I saw, or fancied I saw, a sudden liking for me sparkle in her blue eyes, so that my heart went out to her straight. I was not accustomed to be noticed by women, and her interest was pleasant in my loneliness. Probably my face showed her what I thought, for she lowered her eyes quickly, with just the ghost of a smile on her full red lips.This exchange of glances did not escape the man’s observation. He frowned at me in such a menacing manner that I felt apprehensive as to his next movements; he was evidently jealous, whence I inferred that he must be either the husband or lover of the pretty girl; and ridiculous as it may seem, I rebelled against the idea, and began to form plans for freeing her from him, for — I assured…

…Huntsmen not infrequently figure in my dreams. On July 1st, 1909, I dreamed I was standing on the veranda of a house, overlooking a neatly kept lawn and a broad white carriage drive, beyond which was a spinney. It was a beautiful evening, and every object stood out with startling perspicuity in the powerful moonlight. Whilst I was gazing admiringly at the transcendental loveliness of the landscape, I felt a soft hand laid caressingly on my arm, and, on looking round, saw a lady clad in the costume of the middle ages. As she often figures in my dreams, I was in no degree astonished at her appearance. ”How romantic we are!” she said, with a smile; “I was quite under the impression that lingering so long in a great city had spoilt you for the pleasures of the country. With me it is too much country, I long…

…she fetched some cold spring water, and bathed and bandaged me, I grew heartily ashamed of my past conduct towards her, and from the very depths of my heart asked her pardon. To my delight, she kissed me — the first true kiss of affection I had had for years; and no sooner did her lips touch my cheeks than quite voluntarily I began to chant ‘ The Old Hundredth.’ As I did so, room and people vanished, and I found myself standing, strong and upright in the open air, bathed in the glorious light of a heavenly sunset; and in this delirium of joy I awoke. That was the dream, and its effect was such, that from that very night I never drank another drop of alcohol. I forthwith became enrolled in the Salvation Army, in which — praise be to God! — I have ever since remained.”…