PORT 251 



which had been read before the Bench, had attracted 

 Lord Verulam's attention, and raised perhaps alike his 

 curiosity and his disapprobation of the conduct of his 

 neighbour — hence my reception at the Hall, and the 

 gratification I there experienced. 



Flattered at having made a favourable impression, I 

 failed to perceive that the good old port, of which the 

 host was by no means sparing, was likely to make an 

 impression on me. Wishing, as I supposed, to mark the 

 favour I had done him by partaking of his hospitality, 

 and knowing my time was limited, he finished the 

 entertainment with two bottles of excellent claret. He 

 requested me not to hurry myself, as he had ordered his 

 o-io;, and would himself drive me to Redbourn. a distance 

 a little more than a mile. Nothing loth, I followed his 

 suggestion, and swallowed glass after glass with con- 

 siderable gusto. 



Taking my leave of the fair lady and my friend the 

 steward, I stepped into the gig that was at the door. 

 I soon became conscious that I had over stepped the 

 bounds of prudence. I was, nevertheless, in full 

 possession of my senses, and in no fear of not keeping my 

 equilibrium. 



Arriving at the inn, I found the coach there, the horses 

 put to, and the passengers seated — the proprietor, who 

 resided there, looking very serious ; and the coachman 

 Avho had brought'the coach up standing by his side, with a 

 sio;nificant smile. 



Without saying a word, except wishing my entertainer 

 good evening, I took hold of the reins, mounted without 

 any difficulty, and drove ofi', determined, as I thought. 



