As they walked back to the village Mrs. Merton observed to Agnes how much they should have lost, if they had not entered into conversation with the man who was setting up the target. “He spoke bad grammar,” said she, “because he had not had the same advantages of education that you have had; but you see, in all that he had an opportunity of learning, he was very intelligent, and that he actually knew a great many things that we did not know, and that we were very glad to learn.” By this time they arrived at the Bugle Inn, where they found the kind hostess had lighted a fire for Mr. Merton as he felt chilly, and had wheeled the sofa round to it, so as to make him as comfortable as possible. Agnes, who had felt some contempt at the humble appearance of the little Inn, when they first entered it, was quite ashamed of having done so; and felt that she had committed another fault of the same kind as that which her mother had just reproved at the castle. Nothing, however, was said on the subject, and as soon as the carriage was ready the whole party entered it, and proceeded on their journey. CHAPTER IV. Departure from Carisbrook.—Road to Freshwater.—Yarmouth.—House where Charles II. was entertained by Admiral Sir Robert Holme.—Freshwater.—Rocks.—Roaring of the Sea.—Birds.—The Razor-bill and Guillemot.—Sea-weed. Mrs. Merton’s party had not long left Carisbrook, when she began to think that they were not on the right road, and she asked the driver. “Oh! yes, ma’am,” said he, “it is all right; all the ladies and gentlemen go this road.” “That is not what I mean,” said Mrs. Merton; “it is of very little consequence to me what other people do, but I wish to go through Yarmouth.” “Oh! nobody goes through Yarmouth now, ma’am,” said the man; “all the ladies and gentlemen go this way.” Mrs. Merton, though exceedingly provoked, could hardly help laughing at the obstinacy of the man. “Well,” said she, “you now understand that I wish to go to Yarmouth; and as I know there is a road which leads to it, and that turns out of this road, I desire you to take us there, as soon as we reach the turning. You understand me now,” continued she. “It will be five or six miles out of the way,” said the man muttering. “That is of no consequence to you,” said Mrs. Merton, “as you know we hired your carriage by the day, to go where we liked; and the distance we have travelled is not only very short, but you have had a long rest at Carisbrook.” “It is of no use saying anything more,” said Mr. Merton, interposing; “the man must do as he is bid.” They now proceeded a long way through narrow lanes, bordered by high hedges, which Agnes declared was the longest and most disagreeable ride she ever had in her life. “You may find it tedious,” said Mrs. Merton, “but it cannot be very long. The whole island is but twenty-four miles across, from one end to the other, and Newport is, as nearly as possible, in the centre.”