"O," cried the gentleman, "I will show you to the inn whence the stage proceeds; for I am the porter.

Perhaps you never heard of me--my name is Mercury." "Sure, sir," said I, "I have seen you at the play-house." Upon which he smiled, and, without satisfying me as to that point, walked directly forward, bidding me hop after him.

I obeyed him, and soon found myself in Warwick-lane; where Mercury, making a full stop, pointed at a particular house, where he bade me enquire for the stage, and, wishing me a good journey, took his leave, saying he must go seek after other customers.
I arrived just as the coach was setting out, and found I had no reason for inquiry; for every person seemed to know my business the moment I appeared at the door: the coachman told me his horses were to, but that he had no place left; however, though there were already six, the passengers offered to make room for me.

I thanked them, and ascended without much ceremony.

We immediately began our journey, being seven in number; for, as the women wore no hoops, three of them were but equal to two men.