"Don't you observe," said he, "that he has conceived a particular affection for us--nay, even treated us at supper with extraordinary fare, which, to be sure, we should not of ourselves have called for ?" I was partly of Strap's opinion; but the experience I had of the world made me suspend my belief till the morning, when, getting up betimes, we breakfasted with our host and his daughter on hasty-pudding and ale, and desired to know what we had to pay.

"Biddy will let you know, gentlemen," said he; "for I never mind these matters.

Money matters are beneath the concern of one who lives upon the Horatian plan--Crescentum sequitur cura pecuniam." Meanwhile, Biddy, having consulted a slate that hung in the corner, told us our reckoning came to 8s.7d.

"Eight shillings and seven pence!" cried Strap, "'tis impossible! you must be mistaken, young woman." "Reckon again, child," says her father, very deliberately; "perhaps you have miscounted." "No, indeed," replied she, "I know my business better." I could contain my indignation no longer, but said it was an unconscionable bill, and demanded to know the particulars; upon which the old man got up, muttering, "Ay, ay, let us see the particulars--that's but reasonable." And, taking pen, ink, and paper, wrote the following items: To bread and beer 0 6 To a fowl and sausages 2 6 To four bottles of quadrim.

2 0 To fire and tobacco 0 7 To lodging 2 0 To breakfast 1 0 ---- 8 7 As he had not the appearance of a common publican, and had raised a sort of veneration in me by his demeanour the preceding night, it was not in my power to upbraid him as he deserved; therefore, I contented myself with saying I was sure he did not learn to be an extortioner from Horace.