I propose to go to-day as far as Richmond; for which place a stage
sets out about two o'clock from some inn, not far from the new
church in the Strand. Four guineas, some linen, my English book of
the roads, and a map and pocket-book, together with Milton's
Paradise Lost, which I must put in my pocket, compose the whole of
my equipage; and I hope to walk very lightly with it. But it now
strikes half-past one, and of course it is time for me to be at the
stage. Farewell! I will write to you again from Richmond.
CHAPTER VIII.
Richmond, 21st June, 1782.
Yesterday afternoon I had the luxury for the first time of being
driven in an English stage. These coaches are, at least in the eyes
of a foreigner, quite elegant, lined in the inside; and with two
seats large enough to accommodate six persons; but it must be owned,
when the carriage is full, the company are rather crowded.
At the White Hart from whence the coach sets out, there was, at
first only an elderly lady who got in; but as we drove along, it was
soon filled, and mostly by ladies, there being only one more
gentleman and myself. The conversation of the ladies among
themselves, who appeared to be a little acquainted with each other,
seemed to me to be but very insipid and tiresome.
