Whilst the cloth was laying, and the girl was a long time placing two knives and forks and a broken saltcellar, we got into conversation, and the Doctor observing she did not put any more on the table, told his host, we must all sup together, and drink sociably the Christmas ale. If you desire it, master, replied he, it shall be done, for though you be pretty spoken gentlemen, I thought, mayhap, you might be too proud to eat with poor folks; no offence, I hope, if I speaks my mind:—Old John is fond of plain-dealing, when there is neither sin nor shame in it.—The old woman gave his sleeve a pull; she thought she understood good-breeding, for she had been several times in ’Squire Anderson’s kitchen, and madam’s own woman had spoken to her. The supper stopped our mouths, and a friendly one it was, I never eat any thing with such an appetite—I believe the bacon and eggs were remarkably good. I did not want a variety of dishes to coax my palate, I assure you. The ale made John talk, and tell us many droll stories, nor could dame stop him, though she trod on his toes, and winked significantly. The strong beer gave him courage to laugh at the good-breeding she had acquired in the ’Squire’s kitchen, and even to mimick the fine words Mrs. Betty, madam’s own maid, used to bring out, when she condescended to speak to the vermin; for she despised low life, and never demeaned herself. The old woman was half angry; but, yet, she was glad to let us hear how she had been honoured. And, conscious she knew better than her husband, hoped as how we would not be affronted, as John had a honest heart, and meant not to disparage any body, for all he was so fond of joking. We then heard the chaise moving slowly; we spoke to Harry, and desired him to bring us another next morning, and went to bed. The bed was hard, yet I slept so soundly Dr. Bartlett had some difficulty to wake me, when Harry arrived. We took leave of John and his dame, and the latter made her best curtsy, though it was into the mud at the door of the hut, when Dr. Bartlett gave them a guinea, and I promised to send them a side of bacon, and a few bottles of strong beer, before Christmas. I will write soon again. Farewel. CHARLES. LETTER XLVIII. CHARLES _to_ WILLIAM.