But hostess as she was herself, when in her own dominions, she reckoned without her host in the present instance; for the humpbacked postilion, as absolute in his department as Mrs.Dods herself, declared that the cattle would not be fit for the road these two hours yet.

The good lady was therefore obliged to wait his pleasure, bitterly lamenting all the while the loss which a house of public entertainment was sure to sustain by the absence of the landlord or landlady, and anticipating a long list of broken dishes, miscalculated reckonings, unarranged chambers, and other disasters, which she was to expect at her return.

Mr.Bindloose, zealous to recover the regard of his good friend and client, which he had in some degree forfeited by contradicting her on a favourite subject, did not choose to offer the unpleasing, though obvious topic of consolation, that an unfrequented inn is little exposed to the accidents she apprehended.

On the contrary, he condoled with her very cordially, and went so far as to hint, that if Mr.Touchwood had come to Marchthorn with post-horses, as he supposed from his dress, she could have the advantage of them to return with more despatch to St.Ronan's.
"I am not sure," said Mr.Touchwood, suddenly, "but I may return there myself.

In that case I will be glad to set this good lady down, and to stay a few days at her house if she will receive me .-- I respect a woman like you, ma'am, who pursue the occupation of your father--I have been in countries, ma'am, where people have followed the same trade, from father to son, for thousands of years--And I like the fashion--it shows a steadiness and sobriety of character." Mrs.Dods put on a joyous countenance at this proposal, protesting that all should be done in her power to make things agreeable; and while her good friend, Mr.Bindloose, expatiated upon the comfort her new guest would experience at the Cleikum, she silently contemplated with delight the prospect of a speedy and dazzling triumph, by carrying off a creditable customer from her showy and successful rival at the Well.
"I shall be easily accommodated, ma'am," said the stranger; "I have travelled too much and too far to be troublesome.