The next day we drove out, not in a open carriage as before, but in a chariot and with _a pair of horses_.
"These are handsome horses," observed I.--"Yes," replied he, "I am fond of good horses; and, as I only keep a pair, I have the best. There is a certain degree of pretension in _four horses_, I do not much like--it appears as if you wished to overtop your neighbours."
I spent a few very pleasant days, and then quitted his hospitable roof. A severe cold, caught that winter, induced me to take the advice of the physicians, and proceed to the South of France, where I remained two years. On my return, I was informed that Willemott had speculated, and had been unlucky on the Stock Exchange; that he had left Richmond, and was now living at Clapham. The next day I met him near the Exchange.
"Reynolds, I am happy to see you. Thompson told me that you had come back. If not better engaged, come down to see me; I will drive you down at four o'clock, if that will suit."
It suited me very well, and, at four o'clock, I met him according to appointment at a livery stables over the Iron Bridge. His vehicle was ordered out, it was a phaeton drawn by two longed-tailed ponies--altogether a very neat concern. We set off at a rapid pace.
"They step out well, don't they? We shall be down in plenty of time to put on a pair of shoes by five o'clock, which is _our dinner-time_. Late dinners don't agree with me--they produce indigestion. Of course, you know that Louisa has a little boy."
"Yes, and has now gone out to India with her husband. Mary is also engaged to be married--a very _good_ match--a Mr Rivers, in the law. He has been called to the bar this year, and promises well. They will be a little pinched at first, but we must see what we can do for them."
We stopped at a neat row of houses, I forget the name, and, as we drove up, the servant, the only man-servant, came out, and took the ponies round to the stable, while the maid received my luggage, and one or two paper-bags, containing a few extras for the occasion. I was met with the same warmth as usual by Mrs Willemott. The house was small, but very neat; the remnants of former grandeur appeared here and there, in one or two little articles, favourites of the lady. We sat down at five o'clock to a _plain_ dinner, and were attended by the footman, who had rubbed down the ponies and pulled on his livery.