{first chop = first rank, highest quality}
Although these were not the terms that our heroine would have used herself in speaking of this personage, yet she thought they plainly indicated his superiority, and she waited in feverish suspense to hear more.
"He must be steady, and civil, and sober, and expert, and tender-hearted," said Miss Emmerson, who thought of any thing but a hero in disguise.
"Yes—yes—yes—yes—yes," replied the stable- keeper, nodding his head and speaking at each requisite, "he is all that, I can engage to Miss Emmerson."
"And his eyesight must be good," continued the lady, deeply intent on providing well for her journey; "we may ride late in the evening, and it is particularly requisite that he have good eyes."
"Yes—yes, ma'am," said the man, in a little embarrassment that did not escape Julia; "he has as good an eye as any man in America."
"Of what age is he?" asked Miss Emmerson.
"About fifty," replied the man, thinking years would he a recommendation.
"Fifty!" exclaimed Julia, in a tone of disappointment.
"'Tis too old," said Miss Emmerson; "he should he able to undergo fatigue."