Charlotte Brontë

Excitement instantly seized the whole party: a running fire of raillery and jests was proceeding when Sam returned. He may be stern; he may be exacting; he may be ambitious yet; but his is the sternness of the warrior Greatheart, who guards his pilgrim convoy from the onslaught of Apollyon. “I have a curiosity to hear my fortune told: therefore, Sam, order the beldame forward.”