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284 of ascertaining the topography of the "public" of which he spake, and who was perhaps tolerably reconciled to his late terror in the anticipation of renewing his intimacy with "the spirits of the past," now directed the attention of our travellers to a small inn just before them. Mine host had not yet retired to repose, and it was not necessary to knock twice before the door was opened.

A bright fire, an officious landlady, a commiserate landlord, a warm potation, and the promise of excellent beds, all appeared to our Squire to make ample amends for the intelligence that the inn was not licensed to let post-horses; and mine host having promised forthwith to send two stout fellows, a rope, and a cart-horse, to bring the carriage under shelter,—(for the Squire valued the vehicle because it was twenty years old)—and moreover to have the harness repaired, and the horses ready by an early hour the next day, the good-humour of Mr. Brandon rose into positive hilarity. Lucy retired under the auspices of the landlady to-bed, and the Squire