The girls were all vivacity, and respect for me could
scarcely keep them from romping with my host, who, asking for a
pinch of snuff, was presented with a box, out of which an artificial
mouse, fastened to the bottom, sprang. Though this trick had
doubtless been played the out of mind, yet the laughter it excited
was not less genuine.
They were overflowing with civility; but, to prevent their almost
killing my babe with kindness, I was obliged to shorten my visit;
and two or three of the girls accompanied us, bringing with them a
part of whatever the house afforded to contribute towards rendering
my supper more plentiful; and plentiful in fact it was, though I
with difficulty did honour to some of the dishes, not relishing the
quantity of sugar and spices put into everything. At supper my host
told me bluntly that I was a woman of observation, for I asked him
MEN'S QUESTIONS.
The arrangements for my journey were quickly made. I could only
have a car with post-horses, as I did not choose to wait till a
carriage could be sent for to Gothenburg. The expense of my journey
(about one or two and twenty English miles) I found would not amount
to more than eleven or twelve shillings, paying, he assured me,
generously.
