[_The Mild Man accepts the reins, and endeavours to assume a knowing and horsey expression._
_A Timid Lady_ (_behind_). I _do_ hope no Gentleman will take the reins, unless he is thoroughly accustomed to driving four-in-hand. Suppose they took it into their heads to run away suddenly!
_Driver_ (_solemnly_). Don't you alarm yourself about that, Ma'am, in the very slightest degree. These 'osses take that pride in themselves, they'd stop here all day rather than spoil their own likenesses!
[_The M.M. intimates that he is no novice in the art of driving, which is fairly true as regards a pony-trap--and the fears of the_ T.L. _are allayed._
_Photographer_. Now, steady all, please, those at the further ends of the seats stand up so as to come into the picture, a little more to the right, please, the gentleman in the straw 'at, turn your 'ead a trifle more towards the camera, the lady in the pink shirt,--that's better. Better take off your spectacles, Sir. Now then--are you ready?
_A Comic Exc._ 'Old on a bit--I've a fly on my nose.
[_Some of the party giggle; the photograph is successfully taken, and the car proceeds._
_The Driver_. On your left, Ladies and Gentlemen, you have the Prison--the cheapest Hotel in the Island for parties who intend making a protracted stay here. On our right we are now passing "Paradise." You will observe that someone has 'ung his 'at and coat up at the entrance, not being certain of getting in. Notice the tree in front--the finest specimen on the island of the good old Guernsey hoak.
[_He keeps turning from time to time to address these instructive remarks to the passengers behind him._
_The Timid Lady._ I wish he wouldn't talk so much, and look more where he is going--we're _much_ too near the hedge!
_Driver_ (_standing up, and turning his back on the horses, as they trot on_). Ladies and Gentlemen, you will all thoroughly understand that the roads in this Island are narrow. Consequently, you must look after the branches and briars yourselves. I've enough to do to look after my 'orses, I assure you, and it looks bad to see 'ats and bonnets decorating the 'edges after the car has passed. (_Some of the Excursionists look at one another uneasily._) The glass-'ouses you see in such quantities, are employed in the production of early grapes and tomators for the London Market. This Island alone exports annually--