Photographer. Now, steady all, please, those at the further ends of the seats stand up so as to come into the picture, a little more to the right, please, the gentleman in the straw 'at, turn your 'ead a trifle more towards the camera, the lady in the pink shirt,—that's better. Better take off your spectacles, Sir. Now then—are you ready?
A Comic Exc. 'Old on a bit—I've a fly on my nose.
[Some of the party giggle; the photograph is successfully taken, and the car proceeds.
The Driver. On your left, Ladies and Gentlemen, you have the Prison—the cheapest Hotel in the Island for parties who intend making a protracted stay here. On our right we are now passing "Paradise." You will observe that someone has 'ung his 'at and coat up at the entrance, not being certain of getting in. Notice the tree in front—the finest specimen on the island of the good old Guernsey hoak.
[He keeps turning from time to time to address these instructive remarks to the passengers behind him.
The Timid Lady. I wish he wouldn't talk so much, and look more where he is going—we're much too near the hedge!
Driver (standing up, and turning his back on the horses, as they trot on). Ladies and Gentlemen, you will all thoroughly understand that the roads in this Island are narrow. Consequently, you must look after the branches and briars yourselves. I've enough to do to look after my 'orses, I assure you, and it looks bad to see 'ats and bonnets decorating the 'edges after the car has passed. (Some of the Excursionists look at one another uneasily.) The glass-'ouses you see in such quantities, are employed in the production of early grapes and tomators for the London Market. This Island alone exports annually—
[Here the car rounds a corner rather sharply, and he sits down again.
The Mild Man (with a Mild Man's thirst for information). What are those buildings over there with the chimney?
[Here he is conscious of being furtively prodded in the back—but decides to take no notice.