`` You are a good old man , '' said he to Philemon , `` and you have a good old wife to be your helpmeet . It is fit that your wish be granted . '' And it seemed to Philemon , just then , as if the sunset clouds threw up a bright flash from the west , and kindled a sudden light in the sky . Baucis had now got supper ready , and , coming to the door , began to make apologies for the poor fare which she was forced to set before her guests . `` Had we known you were coming , '' said she , `` my good man and myself would have gone without a morsel , rather than you should lack a better supper . But I took the most part of to-day 's milk to make cheese ; and our last loaf is already half eaten . Ah me ! I never feel the sorrow of being poor , save when a poor traveller knocks at our door . '' `` All will be very well ; do not trouble yourself , my good dame , '' replied the elder stranger , kindly . `` An honest , hearty welcome to a guest works miracles with the fare , and is capable of turning the coarsest food to nectar and ambrosia . '' `` A welcome you shall have , '' cried Baucis , `` and likewise a little honey that we happen to have left , and a bunch of purple grapes besides . '' `` Why , Mother Baucis , it , is a feast ! '' exclaimed Quicksilver , laughing , `` an absolute feast ! and you shall see how bravely I will play my part at it ! I think I never felt hungrier in my life . '' `` Mercy on us ! '' whispered Baucis to her husband . `` If the young man has such a terrible appetite , I am afraid there will not be half enough supper ! '' They all went into the cottage . And now , my little auditors , shall I tell you something that will make you open your eyes very wide ?
It is really one XXXXX the oddest circumstances in the whole story .
besides in into of on than that to with without