xv A VISIT TO TENNYSON 205 



built, and through which walks were made in various directions, 

 some of which lead down through the steep paths to a little farm 

 at the bottom, which is part of the property. The house thus 

 perfectly carries out one of the owner's principal objects in 

 coming here in summer from the Isle of Wight freedom from 

 the intrusion of unwelcome strangers. The only approach is 

 by a private road across the common, and then through the 

 Aldworth woods and lodge, and neither house nor garden can be 

 seen from anywhere. 



The poet met us at the hall door, attired in his cloak and 

 broad -brimmed felt hat. He had just been walking in the 

 garden, and gave us a friendly welcome. Of course he was 

 greatly pleased to see so old a friend as the Duke of Argyll, 

 who had visited him annually for so many years except this last ; 

 so they had not met for two years, and had very much to say to 

 each other upon almost every subject, especially recent politics. 

 Mr. and Mrs. Hallam Tennyson appeared about the same time, 

 and we were taken into the drawing-room to see Lady Tennyson, 

 who was lying on a sofa. She was very sweet and kind in 

 manner, but very frail-looking. They told me that she had not 

 walked for thirty years. We then went out into the garden (it 

 was a beautiful summer evening). The natural character of the 

 old rough wood of oak and hazel has been completely changed 

 round the house, and a great many conifers of various kinds 

 planted, now fine, healthy, well -grown trees, in all of which 

 Tennyson takes much pleasure and pride ; and having planted 

 them himself when he first came to the place, he is evidently 

 much pleased to have them admired. They seemed to have 

 grown much too luxuriantly in places, blocking out the splendid 

 view. But, of course, I did not say so, as this could easily be 

 remedied if necessary. ... I was agreeably surprised to see 

 Lady Tennyson walk in with the Duke. She sat through 

 dinner, but retired very early upstairs, and we did not see her 

 again during the evening. Tennyson also retired soon after 

 dinner to his library upstairs (between which and the garden he 

 spends most of his time), and as the Duke also went early to 

 his room, I was left alone with Mr. and Mrs. Hallam. The 

 latter soon took me off to his private room at the top of the 



