"I observed you, ladies," said he, "pointing to the opposite hills, which are nothing but blocks of grey rocks, ordinary enough, and leaning over the walls watching the course of the river, which is but a poor stream; and remarking the trees on the promenades, which, after all, are but trees; in fact, it puzzled me to think what strangers could find at Poitiers to like." Much amused at his originality, and the singular way in which he showed it, I replied that we found much to admire in the walks, the scenery, and the churches, and were surprised that he thought so little of his native town.

He seemed, as well as several of his assistant clerks, and a person who patiently waited for his letters till the interview was concluded, to think me much the most original of the two; and, having no more to say, handed me my letters with the remark that I need not fetch my passport, as he had no doubt they were really destined for me.

It was then evident to my mind that he had laid this plan to detain the inquisitive travellers who had excited his curiosity, till he could catechise them himself, and to that end had lured us _in person_ to the post-office, and detained us and our letters till his pleasure was secured.

We were not sorry that nothing more was likely to arrive at Poitiers for us, as we were to pay so much for the delivery.

It appears that strangers rarely remain more than a few hours here, which may account for so much interest being excited in the solitary town by our strolling.
We had delayed changing some English money, and thinking it best to do so in case of necessity, inquired the way to a banker's.