There is a sad difference betwixt the man who lieth on the cold ground, not knowing how long it may be before he is three feet deep in it, and he who passeth his nights upon a warm feather bed, with mayhap a cellar beneath it stocked with even such wines as we are now drinking.' She again looked hard at Saxon as she spoke, while Reuben and I nudged each other beneath the table.
'This business hath doubtless increased your trade, fair mistress,' quoth Saxon.
'Aye, and in the way that payeth best,' said she.

'The few kilderkins of beer which are drunk by the common folk make little difference one way or the other.

But now, when we have lieutenants of counties, officers, mayors, and gentry spurring it for very life down the highways, I have sold more of my rare old wines in three days than ever I did before in a calendar month.

It is not ale, or strong waters, I promise you, that those gentles drink, but Priniac, Languedoc, Tent, Muscadine, Chiante, and Tokay--never a flask under the half-guinea.' 'So indeed!' quoth Saxon thoughtfully.

'A snug home and a steady income.' 'Would that my poor Peter had lived to share it with me,' said Dame Hobson, laying down her glass, and rubbing her eyes with a corner of her kerchief.