The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

12 REYNOLDS’ WORKS faction to possess the means of selling her life as dearly as possible. While all these reflections were passing through her mind, she suddenly perceived through the chaise window a light glimmering at a little distance on the right hand, and in a few minutes the lumbering equipage stopped in front of what appeared to be a small inn or public-house. Kate’s spirits instantaneously rose again as the thought struck her that her fears were groundless, after all, and that this must be the place where fresh cattle were to be obtained; for she had resolved to tarry not on the route, but to journey straight on with the least possible delay toward the Spanish capital. She did not therefore intend to alight, but remained seated inside the vehicle, hoping that it would soon be in motion again. A man and a woman, both of about middle age, and by their appearance evidently the master and mistress of the | little inn, came forth with a lantern. Some conversation took place between these persons and the muleteers, and then one of the latter, approaching the vehicle, opened the door and made signs for Miss Marshall to descend. The innkeeper and his wife saluted her with as much courtesy as it was in their nature to display, and also by signs testified their readiness to conduct her into the hostelry. Thinking that it was imagined she needed refreshments, but having partaken of some at the previous halting-place, she intimated by signs as well as she was able that she was in a hurry to proceed; whereupon the muleteers, pointing to their own cattle, and then in the direction of the stable joining the inn, shook their heads, as much as to imply that there was no relay to be had. Kate understood what was meant, and felt sadly perplexed. Oh, if she could but converse with these people in their own language, so as to ascertain how long she was to make up her mind to be delayed; but she could not glean this information, and her only resource was to conjecture that the journey might be renewed at the expiration of an hour or two, when tne mules had enjoyed rest and bait. She accordingly followed the innkeeper and his wife into the house, where she was shown to a room on the ground floor; and without any sign or intimation from herself, a young servant-woman began to spread the table for supper. Spain is notorious for the indifferent accommodation of its hotels, inns, and taverns, even in the largest and most Gomicbooks co