"We will halt there for the night.

Ride on as fast as you can." Sherborne struck spurs into his steed, and passing Kingston Bagpuze, reached the high road between Abingdon and Faringdon, at the corner of which stood the inn in question,--a good-sized habitation, with large stables and a barn attached to it.

Here he halted, and calling out in a loud and authoritative voice, the landlord instantly answered the summons; and, on being informed by his son of the rank of his guest, doffed his cap, and hastened to assist the earl to dismount.

But Rochester declined his services, and bidding him summon his wife, she shortly afterwards made her appearance in the shape of a stout middle-aged dame.

Committing Amabel to her care, the earl then alighted, and followed them into the house.
The Plough, for so the inn was denominated, was thrown into the utmost confusion by the arrival of the earl and his suite.