It
wanted five minutes of twelve when we left
Sittingbourne, from whence we had a famous pair of
horses, which took us to Rochester in an hour and
a quarter; the postboy seemed determined to show
my mother that Kentish drivers were not always
tedious, and really drove as fast as _Cax_.

Our next stage was not quite so expeditiously
performed; the load was heavy and our horses very
indifferent. However, we were in such good time,
and my mother bore her journey so well, that
expedition was of little importance to us; and as
it was, we were very little more than two hours
and a half coming hither, and it was scarcely past
four when we stopped at the inn.

* * * * *

I should have begun my letter soon after our
arrival but for a little adventure which prevented
me. After we had been here a quarter of an hour it
was discovered that my writing and dressing boxes
had been by accident put into a chaise which was
just packing off as we came in, and were driven
away towards Gravesend in their way to the West
Indies. No part of my property could have been
such a prize before, for in my writing box was all
my worldly wealth, L7, and my dear Harry's
deputation.[78] Mr. Nottley immediately despatched
a man and horse after the chaise, and in half an
hour's time I had the pleasure of being as rich as
ever; they were got about two or three miles off.

My day's journey has been pleasanter in every
respect than I expected. I have been very little
crowded and by no means unhappy. Your watchfulness
with regard to the weather on our accounts was
very kind and very effectual. We had one heavy
shower on leaving Sittingbourne, but afterwards
the clouds cleared away, and we had a very bright
_chrystal_ afternoon.

My father is now reading the _Midnight Bell_[79]
which he has got from the library, and mother
sitting by the fire. Our route to-morrow is not
determined. We have none of us much inclination
for London, and if Mr. Nottley will give us leave,
I think we shall go to Staines through Cr