Chapter 7

           Halfaminuteconductedthemthroughthepump-yardtothearchway,oppositeUnionPassage;butheretheywerestopped.EverybodyacquaintedwithBathmayrememberthedifficultiesofcrossingCheapStreetatthispoint;itisindeedastreetofsoimpertinentanature,sounfortunatelyconnectedwiththegreatLondonandOxfordroads,andtheprincipalinnofthecity,thatadayneverpassesinwhichpartiesofladies,howeverimportanttheirbusiness,whetherinquestofpastry,millinery,oreven(asinthepresentcase)ofyoungmen,arenotdetainedononesideorotherbycarriages,horsemen,orcarts.Thisevilhadbeenfeltandlamented,atleastthreetimesaday,byIsabellasinceherresidenceinBath;andshewasnowfatedtofeelandlamentitoncemore,forattheverymomentofcomingoppositetoUnionPassage,andwithinviewofthetwogentlemenwhowereproceedingthroughthecrowds,andthreadingtheguttersofthatinterestingalley,theywerepreventedcrossingbytheapproachofagig,drivenalongonbadpavementbyamostknowing-lookingcoachmanwithallthevehemencethatcouldmostfitlyendangerthelivesofhimself,hiscompanion,andhishorse.

           “Oh,theseodiousgigs!”saidIsabella,lookingup.“HowIdetestthem.”Butthisdetestation,thoughsojust,wasofshortduration,forshelookedagainandexclaimed,“Delightful!Mr.