Returning to the inn I observed the new
tunnel, which we had previously passed under, a recent work of great
labour and expense, which saves a considerable distance in the approach
to the town; it has been principally effected by a wealthy innkeeper,
and certainly adds much to the advantage and beauty of the place.
Coachee had now made all right, and his anxious passengers were again
replaced in their former situations to proceed on our journey. The
next stage, ten miles, to Crawley, a picturesque place, afforded little
variety, if I except an immense elm which stands by the side of the
road as you enter, and has a door in front to admit the curious into its
hollow trunk. Our next post was Cuckfield, nine miles, where I did not
discover any thing worthy of narration; from this to Brighton, twelve
miles, coachee amused me with some anecdotes of persons whom we passed
upon the road. A handsome chariot, with a most divine little creature
in the inside, and a good-looking _roue_, with huge mustachios, first
attracted my notice: "that is the golden Ball," said coachee, "and his
new wife; he often _rolls down_ this road for a day or two--spends his
cash like an emperor--and before he was _tied up_ used to tip pretty
freely for _handling the ribbons_, but that's all up now, for _Mamsell_
Mercandotti finds him better amusement.
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