第6章 LETTER I(3)

To prolong this enjoyment,I readily assented to the proposal of our host to pay a visit to a family,the master of which spoke English,who was the drollest dog in the country,he added,repeating some of his stories with a hearty laugh.

I walked on,still delighted with the rude beauties of the scene;for the sublime often gave place imperceptibly to the beautiful,dilating the emotions which were painfully concentrated.

When we entered this abode,the largest I had yet seen,I was introduced to a numerous family;but the father,from whom I was led to expect so much entertainment,was absent.The lieutenant consequently was obliged to be the interpreter of our reciprocal compliments.The phrases were awkwardly transmitted,it is true;but looks and gestures were sufficient to make them intelligible and interesting.The girls were all vivacity,and respect for me could scarcely keep them from romping with my host,who,asking for a pinch of snuff,was presented with a box,out of which an artificial mouse,fastened to the bottom,sprang.Though this trick had doubtless been played the out of mind,yet the laughter it excited was not less genuine.

They were overflowing with civility;but,to prevent their almost killing my babe with kindness,I was obliged to shorten my visit;and two or three of the girls accompanied us,bringing with them a part of whatever the house afforded to contribute towards rendering my supper more plentiful;and plentiful in fact it was,though Iwith difficulty did honour to some of the dishes,not relishing the quantity of sugar and spices put into everything.At supper my host told me bluntly that I was a woman of observation,for I asked him MEN'S QUESTIONS.

The arrangements for my journey were quickly made.I could only have a car with post-horses,as I did not choose to wait till a carriage could be sent for to Gothenburg.The expense of my journey (about one or two and twenty English miles)I found would not amount to more than eleven or twelve shillings,paying,he assured me,generously.I gave him a guinea and a half.But it was with the greatest difficulty that I could make him take so much--indeed anything--for my lodging and fare.He declared that it was next to robbing me,explaining how much I ought to pay on the road.

However,as I was positive,he took the guinea for himself;but,as a condition,insisted on accompanying me,to prevent my meeting with any trouble or imposition on the way.

I then retired to my apartment with regret.The night was so fine that I would gladly have rambled about much longer,yet,recollecting that I must rise very early,I reluctantly went to bed;but my senses had been so awake,and my imagination still continued so busy,that I sought for rest in vain.Rising before six,Iscented the sweet morning air;I had long before heard the birds twittering to hail the dawning day,though it could scarcely have been allowed to have departed.