When they had nearly reached
the lodge, another servant, emerging from the shrubbery, feigned to
be very active in ordering them off, but this man put a crown into the
widow's hand, and whispering that his lady sent it, thrust them gently
from the gate.
This incident only suggested to the widow's mind, when they halted at
an alehouse some miles further on, and heard the justice's character
as given by his friends, that perhaps something more than capacity of
stomach and tastes for the kennel and the stable, were required to form
either a perfect country gentleman, a thoroughbred Englishman, or
a genuine John Bull; and that possibly the terms were sometimes
misappropriated, not to say disgraced. She little thought then, that a
circumstance so slight would ever influence their future fortunes; but
time and experience enlightened her in this respect.
'Mother,' said Barnaby, as they were sitting next day in a waggon which
was to take them within ten miles of the capital, 'we're going to London
first, you said. Shall we see that blind man there?'
She was about to answer 'Heaven forbid!' but checked herself, and told
him No, she thought not; why did he ask?
'He's a wise man,' said Barnaby, with a thoughtful countenance.
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