286 THE VICARAGE. 



have the contents dressed for dinner; that part 

 of the economy of the house being under her 

 management, and no one could conduct it bet- 

 ter. On the present occasion the trout were 

 excellent the small leg of Dartmoor Forest 

 mutton was roasted to perfection, and two 

 plump chickens looked very inviting. Then there 

 was the goodly codling tart, and that delicious 

 thick cream of Devonshire, so much to be com- 

 mended, and reminding us of the lines of the 

 poet 



their entertainment at the height, 

 In cream and codlings rev'ling with delight. 



Let not this account of a vicarial feast be de- 

 spised. It was spread before the happy party in 

 all the luxury of extreme neatness and propriety, 

 and was succeeded by a bottle of the Vicar's old 

 port, which he kept for extraordinary occasions. 

 Having filled his glass, and bestowed a look of ad- 

 miration on its brilliant, ruby-like contents, he 

 welcomed his son and his friend in those accents 

 of kindness and good will, which always find their 

 way to the heart. 



In the evening Lucy played and sang, while 

 Mary was employed in needle-work, Mr. Daven- 

 port sitting by her side, and occasionally con- 

 versing with her. The Vicar talked with his 



