of
breath. 'Here they both are,' he gasped out; 'pray do come and look at
them!'

'Whom do you mean?' said I.

'Why, that red-haired Jack Priest, and that idiotic parson, Platitude;
they have just been set down by one of the coaches, and want a
post-chaise to go across the country in; and what do you think? I am to
have the driving of them. I have no time to lose, for I must get myself
ready: so do come and look at them.'

I hastened into the yard of the inn; two or three of the helpers of our
establishment were employed in drawing forward a post-chaise out of the
chaise-house, which occupied one side of the yard, and which was spacious
enough to contain nearly twenty of these vehicles, though it was never
full, several of them being always out upon the roads, as the demand upon
us for post-chaises across the country was very great. 'There they are,'
said the postillion, softly, nodding towards two individuals, in one of
whom I recognised the man in black, and in the other Mr. Platitude;
'there they are; have a good look at them, while I go and get ready.'
The man in black and Mr. Platitude were walking up and down the yard, Mr.
Platitude was doing his best to make himself appear ridiculous, talking
very loudly in exceedingly bad Italian, evidently for the purpose of
attracting the notice of the bystanders, in which he succeeded, all the
stable-boys and hangers on about the yard, attracted by his vociferation,
grinning at his ridiculous figure as he limped up and down. The man in
black said little or nothing, but from the glances which he cast sideways
appeared to be thoroughly ashamed of his companion; the worthy couple
presently arrived close to where I was standing, and the man in black,
who was nearest to me, perceiving me, stood still as if hesitating, but
recovering himself in a moment, he moved on without taking any further
notice; Mr. Platitude exclaimed as they passed, in broken lingo, 'I hope
we shall find the holy doctors all assembled,' and as they returned, 'I
make no doubt that they will all be rejoiced to see me.' Not wishing to
be standing an idle gazer, I went to the chaise and assisted in attaching
the horses, which had now been brought out, to the pole. The postillion
presently arrived, and finding all ready took the reins and mounted the
box, whilst I very politely opened the door for the two travellers; Mr.
Platitude got in first, and, without taking any notice of me, seated
himself on the