Surprised at her hospitality for a complete stranger and uninvited guest, Steve nodded his thanks again, doffing his soaking hat and following as she led him to the sitting room.

"I'm sorry for dropping by so unexpectedly," he began. "I had hoped I could stay at the Inn in town, but they're full to the rafters apparently; the manager informed me you might be willing to put me up - for a fee, of course. I don't wish to take advantage of your hospitality."

Moving over to the fire, he placed his hat on the stone hearth, then began pulling off his jacket. It was when he began unbuttoning his blue chambray shirt, that he realized there was a problem. "I'm afraid, madam, that if I take all my wet things off to dry, there will be more of me exposed than either of us would care for, upon first meeting," he joked.