The lengthened shadows of the trees, softened as if reflected in still water, threw their carpet on the path the travellers pursued, and the light wind stirred yet more softly than before, as though it were soothing Nature in her sleep.

By little and little they ceased talking, and rode on side by side in a pleasant silence.
'The Maypole lights are brilliant to-night,' said Edward, as they rode along the lane from which, while the intervening trees were bare of leaves, that hostelry was visible.
'Brilliant indeed, sir,' returned Joe, rising in his stirrups to get a better view.

'Lights in the large room, and a fire glimmering in the best bedchamber?
Why, what company can this be for, I wonder!' 'Some benighted horseman wending towards London, and deterred from going on to-night by the marvellous tales of my friend the highwayman, I suppose,' said Edward.
'He must be a horseman of good quality to have such accommodations.

Your bed too, sir--!' 'No matter, Joe.

Any other room will do for me.