20 Hunting in the Golden Days. 



coach on the remainder of the journey. Subsequent 

 progress is slow, but sure. Mr. Goodbery has to content 

 himself with the reflection, that although it is very 

 trying to have two horses disabled, matters would have 

 been infinitely worse if the carriage had also been 

 damaged, as in that case he would not have been able 

 to continue his journey at all. 



At last they reach their journey's end. Driving 

 through the park gates, they proceed by way of a long 

 avenue of trees up to the fine Elizabethan mansion, sur- 

 rounded by a large area of park. The night is cold, and 

 the lights gleaming from the windows make the scene a 

 picturesque one. A light fall of snow during the latter 

 part of their journey brings to mind very vividly the 

 pleasures and comfort of those ensconced in so comfort- 

 able-looking an abode. Soon the front door is reached, 

 the steps of the coach are let down with a clang, and Mr. 

 Goodbery descends, and is welcomed into the hall by 

 his good old friend. Sir John Jarvis, who congratulates 

 him on being unhurt after his accident. A spacious and 

 charming hall it is, with its panelled oak and carved 

 cornices. A huge fire of logs is roaring up the ancient 

 chimney, its bright light making the portraits stand out 

 in bold relief on the walls, their beauty being enhanced 

 by the holly and evergreen decorations that we associate 

 so closely with Christmastide. 



" Glad to see you. Had a very cold journey, I am 

 afraid. Let's shut the door and keep out the cold. We 

 will soon warm you up here," says the kindly host, 

 taking his guest by the arm and leading him to the fire. 

 " Don't trouble about your baggage, they will look after 

 that, it will be sent up to your room." 



Goodbery, indeed, finds it a pleasure to arrive in so 

 comfortable a house after so cold and tedious a journey. 



