one after one
It would have been a consolation to observe that in the latter case the quadruped employed benefited by its owner 's regard for his own interests ; possibly an acute spectator might have discerned gradations of inhumanity . To the casual eye there showed but a succession of over-laden animals urged to the utmost speed ; the national predilection exhibiting itself crudely in this locality . Towards nightfall the pleasure-seekers returned , driving with the heightened energy attributable to Bacchic inspiration , singing , shouting , exchanging racy banter with pedestrians . So the hours dragged wearily on , wheezed out , one after one , by the clock on the stairs . Hood was at no time fertile in topics of conversation ; to-day he maintained almost unbroken silence . Tea was prepared , partaken of , removed ; supper , three hours later . The day closed with rain and a rising wind .