Heading through the park, he came upon a man digging potatoes in a walled vegetable garden. When the latter approached, asking the visitor to identify himself, he explained that his curiosity, piqued by rumors of the estate's great beauty, had tempted him to have a look. The sympathetic gardener showed him around the greenhouses before offering to show him the manor and its remarkable contents.

After a breath-taking tour, the gardener cordially invited the visitor to stay and dine, whereupon he revealed his true identity: William Beckford.

The excited guest naturally stayed, enjoying a magnificent meal and fine conversation. However, with the stroke of eleven, his host retired to bed, asking a footman to show him the door.

"Mr. Beckford ordered me to present his compliments to you, sir," the latter explained, "and I am to say that as you found your way into Fonthill Abbey without assistance, you may find your way out again as best you can, and he hopes that you will take care to avoid the bloodhounds that are let loose in the gardens every night. I wish you good evening, sir."