BEGGARS ON HORSEBACK. 



the exponents of fashion in baggy breeches and 

 slim gaiters who habitually " practised at the bar " 

 of the hotel, from the carriage of an unknown 

 magnate, and from the pit and gallery section 

 which had early possessed itself of the best places 

 on the central lamp -post. The subtler observa- 

 tion of villa residences was at least spared us, the 

 vulture eye of the tradesman's widow behind the 

 lace curtain, the scorn of the offspring of the dent- 

 ist or the auctioneer. 



Powys Castle and its woods towered aloof in a 

 shimmer of heat, as unaware of town and tourist 

 as the cattle within its gates. The grey houses 

 of the town became smaller and older looking ; 

 cats sat on the doorstep and mused on the deceit- 

 fulness of things, overawing the languid dogs in 

 the eternal supremacy of mind over matter ; and 

 the flame of sunshine blazed tangibly round us 

 and all things. Our last impression of Welshpool 

 is of its oldest house, a black -beamed cottage, 

 lolling and bulging, crooked and bowed in every 

 line ; impossible as to perspective, but strong and 



