This and other letters were in an outhouse; the old soldier had not permitted them to penetrate the fortress.

He had entered into the spirit of his instructions, and to him a letter was a probable hand-grenade.
Bassett sent for Wheeler; the bill was reduced, and a small payment made; the rest postponed till better times.

Wheeler was then consulted about Polly, and he told his client the landlady of the "Lamb" wanted a good active waitress; he thought he could arrange that little affair.
In due course, thanks to this artist, Mary Wells, hitherto known as Polly Somerset, landed with her boxes at the "Lamb "; and with her quick foot, her black eyes, and ready tongue soon added to the popularity of the inn.

Richard Bassett, Esq., for one, used to sup there now and then with his friend Wheeler, and even sleep there after supper.
By-and-by the vicar of Huntercombe wanted a servant, and offered to engage Mary Wells.
She thought twice about that.

She could neither write nor read, and therefore was dreadfully dull without company; the bustle of an inn, and people coming and going, amused her.