“True. But need I have been saved in a noisome stagecoach?”
“That was part of the adventure. Besides, I explained to you at the outset why I was travelling on the stage. You must own that we are having a very exciting time! And, what is more, you have had more adventure than I, for you actually shared a room with a real thief!”
“So I did,” said Sir Richard, apparently much struck by this circumstance.
“And I can plainly see a cottage ahead of us, so I expect we have reached Colerne,” she said triumphantly.
In a few moments, she was found to have been right. They walked into the village, and fetched up at the best-looking inn.
“Now, what particular lie shall we tell here?” asked Sir Richard.
“A wheel came off our post-chaise,” replied Pen promptly.
“Are you never at a loss?” he enquired, regarding her in some amusement.
“Well, to tell you the truth I haven’t had very much experience,” she confided.
“Believe me, no one would suspect that.”