Thus did George conclude his tale of passion; which Delme mused over,
but refrained from commenting on.

Soon afterwards, George's caleche, in which he daily took exercise, was
announced as being at the door. The brothers entered, and left Floriana.




Chapter X.

The Caleche.



"The car rattling through the stony street."


For an easy conveyance, commend us to a Maltese caleche! Many a time,
assaulted by the blue devils, have we taken refuge in its solacing
interior--have pulled down its silken blinds, and unseeing and unseen,
the motion, like that of the rocking-cradle to the petulant child of
less mature growth, has restored complacency, and lulled us to good
humour. The caleche, the real caleche, is, we believe, peculiar to
Malta. It is the carriage of the rich and poor--Lady Woodford may be
seen employing it, to visit her gardens at St. Antonio; and in the
service of the humblest of her subjects, will it be enlisted, as they
wend their way to a picnic in the campagna. Every variety of steed is
put in requisition for its draught.