56 STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE 



wearily performed their duties for a living, were, 

 naturally, greatly to the disadvantage of the 

 dignified clergy. 



Strolling through the suhurh of Old Elvet, 

 the company at last returned to the inn — the 

 "New Inn" it was called. The landlord of 

 this hostelry was a jolly, honest man ; his house 

 s2:>acious, and fit even to serve the Bishoj^. All 

 tilings were cheap, good, and clean at this inn. 

 If a person came in well phrased, he Avould find 

 nothing to offend him, provided he did not create 

 some offence to himself — Avhich sounds just a 

 little confused. 



While our itinerant chronicler was noting 

 down all these things, orders were given for 

 dej)arture, and so he had hurriedly to conclude. 



And now, turning from wayside reflections, we 

 get a description of the jiassengers. The coach, 

 when it left Newcastle, was full. Eour ladies, 

 a gentleman of the sword and our huml)le 

 servant made ujo its j)rincipal contents. They 

 sat in silence for some time, until they were jolted 

 into good humour by the motion of the vehicle, 

 whicli opened their several social faculties. One 

 of their female companions, Avho Avas a North 

 Briton, a jolly, middle-aged matron with abun- 

 dance of good sense and humour, entertained 

 the company for a quarter of an hoiu' with the 

 history of her travels. She had made the tour of 

 Europe, and had visited the most remarkable places 

 in Christendom, in the quality of a dutiful Avife, 

 attending her valetudinary husband, travelling 



