THE VICARAGE. 295 



vagant one, and in consequence has been obliged 

 to sell many of his estates. He clings, however, 

 to the abode of his ancestors, and a maiden daugh- 

 ter has devoted herself to take care of him. He 

 had an only son, who died some years ago, and 

 left one child, whom I hear is lately returned from 

 Spain, where he greatly distinguished himself.'' 

 This account interested the party as they pro- 

 ceeded to the inn, or rather ale-house, where they 

 hoped to get something to eat. It was a thatched 

 cottage, the thatch over-hanging the small case- 

 ment windows, with their little diamond-shaped 

 panes of glass, a porch at the door, the front 

 covered with an old but flourishing vine. It is 

 known by the sign of the Three Trouts, and might 

 safely be recommended to all the brothers of the 

 angle, for its extreme cleanliness, and the civility 

 of the hostess. 



Wnenever a house of this sort is to be met with, 

 the occasional resort of honest disciples of Isaac 

 Walton, a certain degree of comfort is sure to be 

 found. So it was in the present instance. The 

 party were ushered into a room, having a u nicely 

 sanded floor/' a three-cornered cupboard, in which 

 some old china and glass were displayed, some 

 waxen ornaments might be seen on the chimney- 

 piece, representing the Virgin and child, and 

 coloured prints, retailed by travelling Jews, pour- 

 traying Britannia and the Lion, the Prodigal Son, 



