The man came early in February，one cold day，through a strong wind and a driving snow，the last snowfall of the year，walking from Bramble Hurst railway station and carrying a little black bag in his thickly gloved hand. He was wrapped （包裹） up from head to foot，and the big hat hid every inch of his face but his nose；the snow had piled itself against his shoulders and added a white cover to the bag he carried.
He rushed into the "Coach and Horses"more dead than alive，and threw his bag on the floor. "A fire，" he cried， "in the name of human charity!A room and a fire!" He shook the snow from off himself in the bar，and followed Mrs. Hall into her guest parlour（客厅）.
Mrs. Hall lit the fire and left him there while she went to prepare him a meal with her own hands. As soon as the meal was well under way，she carried cloth，plates，and glasses into the parlour. Although the fire was burning up，she was surprised to see that her visitor still wore his hat and coat，standing with his back to her and looking out of the window at the falling snow in the yard. He seemed to be lost in thought.
"Can I take your hat and coat，sir?" she said， "and give them a good dry in the kitchen?"
"No，"he said without turning.
She was not sure if he had heard her，and was about to repeat her question. He turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder. "I like to keep them on，"he said，and she noticed that he wore big blue glasses，and had a bush side﹣whisker（胡须） that hid his whole face.
"Very well，sir，" she said. "As you like. In a bit the room will be warmer. And your lunch is ready，sir. "
"Thank you，"he said at the same time，and did not move until she was closing the door.
