"To take the north road, and, if possible, to overtake and recover her. I am heart-broken and distracted. He has robbed me of a treasure, dearer to me"——
Fresh horses had been put to the general's carriage, and the postilions were already in the saddle; not a moment was to be lost. Before the general could finish his speech, he was seated in the chaise, and driving away at the rate of fifteen miles an hour.
My feelings may be imagined. What to do, I knew not; and there was little time to consider. The dinner had been transacted during our anxious conference, and the horses' heads were looking towards Bath. The coachman mounted the box. I ascended the other side, and took my seat next to him, quite mechanically.
"Knowing gentleman, that 'ere," said Jehu, "as you conwersed with."
"Do you know him then?" I asked with curiosity.
Jehu closed one eye; rubbed his chin against his comforter, and said, "hexcessively!"
"What of him?"
"Werry deep and werry singular. I've druv him many a time."
"He's very rich," said I.
"Oh, werry! So they say. So I s'pose he is. For my part, I'm no judge of mutton till it's cut up. Is he a werry pertickler friend of yours?"