The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 68: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE JOURNEY TO PARIS 51 ladies had passed that way within the last day or two, Jocelyn was well pleased to learn that they were actually at the moment beneath the same roof. He also ascertained that they were to leave in a post-chaise on the following morning for Paris. He then asked whether he also could be accommodated with a travelling chariot at about the same hour; but he learned to his mortification that in consequence of the great influx of English visitors during the week, every disposable chaise and carriage in the town had been put into requisition, and that the one kept for Mrs. Ranger and the Misses Owen was the very last which could be obtained. There was, however, the chance of return-carriages arriving; and the waiter confidently promised one for the Monday. Jocelyn, however, assured him that it was of the highest importance for him not only to depart on the following morning, but also to travel on to Paris without delay, and hence his desire to obtain a post-chaise instead of proceeding by the diligence, or stage-coach. The waiter looked at the young gentleman very attentively; and _ suspecting that he wished to become the travelling-companion of the ladies, he adroitly hinted that such was his belief. This hint was given with the unmistakable manner of one who indirectly and covertly proffers his assistance to forward the design into which he penetrates; and Jocelyn, knowing the readiness of waiters in general, and French ones in particular, to perform such little services, at once said to the man, ‘‘ Ten louis shall be your reward if you can induce those ladies of whom we have been speaking to accommodate me with a seat in their post-chaise.’’ The waiter spoke not a word, but with a significant look quitted the apartment. It was time to serve the ladies’ supper; and as he attended upon them at the repast, Mrs. Ranger enjoined him to have the chaise in readiness at nine in the morning. He promised due observance of her com- mand; and as she spoke French with fluency, — as indeed did Agatha, Emma, and Julia, — she made many inquiries about the condition of the roads, the probable state of the weather, the best hotels to stop at, and the chances of travellers being assailed by robbers. The waiter responded to all these queries satisfactorily enough, except the last; and, with a considerable amount of apparent hesitation, he observed that the recent disbanding of a large number CONNICLOOO ‘Ss (C(O)