Jael was seated in front by the side of George, who drove; Mr.Coventry and Grace, behind.

He had his fur-cloak to keep his companion warm on returning from the hill; but Mr.Raby, who did nothing by halves, threw in some more wraps, and gave a warm one to Jael; she was a favorite with him, as indeed were all the Dences.
They started gayly, and rattled off at a good pace.

Before they had got many yards on the high-road, they passed a fir-plantation, belonging to Mr.Raby, and a magpie fluttered out of this, and flew across the road before them.
Jael seized the reins, and pulled them so powerfully, she stopped the pony directly.

"Oh, the foul bird!" she cried, "turn back! turn back!" "What for ?" inquired Mr.Coventry.
"We shall meet with trouble else.

One magpie! and right athwart us too." "What nonsense!" said Grace.
"Nay, nay, it is not; Squire knows better.