The Old English Gentleman Volume 2; Or, the Fields and the Woods (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1841 Excerpt: ... who would have hooted at the unpopular attorney at another time, regarded him with looks of favour, as he was whirled along at a dashing pace, in a yellow "po'chaise." This effect was not lost upon Fiddylee, who, by the time he arrived at the assize town of Weston, was on the very best of terms with himself. "What's to pay?" inquired he, alighting at the door of the "Swan and Neck of Mutton." "The stage is ten mile, sir," replied the driver, " at one and threepence a mile." "There's the money," rejoined Fiddylee, counting the silver into his hand. "Postboy, sir, if you please," said the lad. "Ah " exclaimed the attorney; "that's a charge not allowed on taxation, I think." The boy stared. "Let me reflect," said Fiddylee. "A gratuity to driver, so much. No," continued he, "that item would be struck out. I can't do it." "You don't mean that, sir, do ye?" said the boy, with a doubting stare. "Decidedly I do," replied Mr. Fiddylee. "What nothing for driving of ye?" persisted the boy. "Who ever hear'd tell o' that? Why it's all I gets, 'cept my grub. But you don't mean it, Mr. Fiddylee " "I tell you it wouldn't be allowed on taxation. I should have to pay it myself I" This last reason seemed almost as decisive to the postboy as it evidently was to the lawyer, and, after a sulky pause, he at last appeared to acquiesce in it, leaving the room with a sneer of inexpressible contempt, and a half aside, " Well, you're a nice gen'l'man, I don't think." Had Fiddylee heard the various opinions uninterruptedly expressed of him by the disappointed postboy, during the entire two hours that he remained in the yard of the "Swan and Neck of Mutton," he would have had sufficient grounds to maintain half a dozen actions for defamation. A strong waiter seized the heavy bags, and...