invitatory

Updated: May 11, 2025

The mill itself had long since vanished with the river, but the building that had once stood for it was used as a rude hostelry for travelers, which, however, bore no legend or invitatory sign. Those who wanted it, knew it; those who passed it by, gave it no offense. Collinson himself stood by the door, smoking a contemplative pipe.

Bret Harte - In a Hollow of the Hills