Yet another quote that wasn't

[HerenIstarion]

Probably Gandalf to the council of Elrond, retelling what Barliman may have said hom about Strider and his (Strider's) wish to see hobbits. It would fit into the following:

Yes, sir, I am afraid so, sir," said Butterbur, mistaking me. "Tried to see them all private he did. I gave him what for. I wouldn't even take a message. He got at them, in spite of all that I could do, and they took up with him. They behaved very queer all the time they were here: wilful, you might say."