148 COSHAM. 



for he was a congenial spirit, and we 

 were associates in many a pleasura- 

 ble gathering in the Isle of Wight 

 always a favourite spot of mine, in conse- 

 quence of the genuine hospitality I received 

 from many of its inhabitants where 

 business and pleasure frequently led 

 my friend. One day after drill, we 

 took our chop at the principal house 

 in the village of Cosham, substituting 

 brandy-and-water for the more genteel 

 and customary bottle of old port. This 

 was a beverage I was then but little 

 acquainted with ; however, we mounted 

 at dusk, to ride gently and quietly home. 

 We had proceeded in friendly chat 

 uninterrupted about half way, when I 

 heard the sound of music; and as we 

 approached the house or inn from which 

 the dulcet notes proceeded, we discerned 

 by the lights a large party of both sexes 

 tripping it on the light fantastic toe, in a 

 lofty room in rear of, and partly over the 



