The 'squire, having recollected and adjusted himself, was the
first to laugh at his own situation: but it was not without
difficulty, that Tabby's arms could be untwisted from his neck;
Liddy's teeth chattered, and Jenkins was threatened with a fit as
usual. I had communicated to my uncle the character of Martin, as
it was described by the constable, and he was much struck with
its singularity -- He could not suppose the fellow had any design
on our company, which was so numerous and well armed; he
therefore thanked him, for the service he had just done them,
said he would be glad of his company, and asked him to dine with
us at Hatfield. This invitation might not have been agreeable to
the ladies, had they known the real profession of our guest, but
this was a secret to all, except my uncle and myself. Mrs Tabitha,
however, would by no means consent to proceed with a case of
loaded pistols in the coach, and they were forthwith discharged
in complaisance to her and the rest of the women.
Being gratified in this particular, she became remarkably
goodhumoured, and at dinner behaved in the most affable manner to
Mr Martin, with whose polite address and agreeable conversation
she seemed to be much taken.
Pages:
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292