"I beg your pardon," said Hazlehurst, who was standing near the window, "that is the Taylor equipage; why the 'tastiness' of the Taylor barouche is visible even by moonlight."
{"barouche" = four-wheeled carriage with room for four passengers inside}
The party in the carriage, consisting of father and mother, son and daughter, soon alighted, and appeared in the drawing-room. They were introduced by Mr. Wyllys, and received politely by his daughter and her niece.
"I am gratified, sir," said the tall and thin Mr. Taylor, with a pompous tone, "in having so early an opportunity of making our ladies mutually acquainted."
"We shall hope to see your family often, Mr. Taylor," replied his host. "You must not forget that we are near neighbours; and we country folk think a great deal of neighbourhood, I assure you."
"Yes; of course the restraints of society must be much greater in a city, than in a more sparsely settled section."
"I hope your new purchase suits you on farther examination. The farm is certainly a very good one; but the house, I should think, must want repairs."
"It does, sir; I calculate to build, however, next year. The present dwelling is much too small."
"The house might suit us, I think," observed Mrs. Taylor, who, with Miss Agnes, had taken a seat, while the young people were standing, chatting, near them. "If husband would put up a back-building, we should have room enough."
Miss Wyllys remarked, that even a small addition, often increased very much the convenience of a house.