She had lived there five-and-twenty years, ever since the death of her uncle.
Tollington Moon had been what his family called unfortunate; that is to say, he had mislaid the greater portion of his wife's money and the whole of Juliana's and Louisa's; he, poor fellow, had none of his own to lose.
Uncle Tollington, being the only male representative of the family, had been appointed to drive the family coach.

He was a genial good-natured fellow and he cheerfully agreed, declaring that there was nothing in the world he liked better than driving; though indeed he had had but little practice in the art.

So they started with a splendid flourishing of whips and blowing of horns; Tollington driving at a furious break-neck pace in a manner highly diverting and exhilarating to the ladies inside.

The girls (they were girls in those days) sat tight and felt no fear, while Mrs.Moon, with her teeth shaking, explained to them the advantages of having so expert a driver on the box seat.

Of course there came the inevitable smash at the corner.