It seems to be
an old building, but with modern repairs and improvements. The angler
had pretty good success while we were looking at him, drawing out two or
three silvery fish, and depositing them in his basket, which was already
more than half full. The Severn is not a transparent stream, and looks
sluggish, but has really movement enough to carry the angler's float
along pretty fast. There were two vessels of considerable size (that is,
as large as small schooners) lying at the bridge. We now passed under an
old stone archway, through a lane that led us from the river-side up past
the cathedral, whence a gentleman and lady were just emerging, and the
verger was closing the door behind them.
We returned to our hotel, and ordered luncheon,--some cold chicken, cold
ham, and ale, and after paying the bill (about fifteen shillings, to
which I added five shillings for attendance) we took our departure in a
fly for the railway. The waiter (a young woman), chambermaid, and boots,
all favored us with the most benign and deferential looks at parting,
whence it was easy to see that I had given them more than they had any
claim to receive. Nevertheless, this English system of fees has its good
side, and I never travel without finding the advantage of it, especially
on railways, where the officials are strictly forbidden to take fees, and
where, in consequence, a fee secures twice as much good service as
anywhere else. Be it recorded, that I never knew an Englishman to refuse
a shilling,--or, for that matter, a halfpenny.
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