A MODEL KITCHEN. 73 



are little, narrow windows in the steeple, and swallows are flying 

 in and out of them. Old weather-beaten stone and mortar, glass, 

 lead, iron, and matted ivy, but not a splinter of wood or a daub 

 of paint. Old England for ever ! Amen. 



A mile or , two more of such walking as before the shower, and 

 we came to a park gate. It was, with the lodges by its side, neat, 

 simple, and substantial. The park was a handsome piece of old 

 woods, but, as seen from the road, not remarkable. We were 

 told, however, that there was a grand old hall and fine grounds a 

 long way within. Near the park there were signs of an improv- 

 ing farmer : fields of mangel-wurzel in drills ; large fields, partly 

 divided by wire fences, within which were flocks of sheep ; marks 

 of recent under-draining ; hedges trimmed squarely, and every 

 thing neat, straight, and business-like. 



As it grows dark we approach another village. The first 

 house on the left is an inn a low, two-story house of light drab- 

 colored stone. A bunch of grapes (cast in iron) and a lantern 

 are hung out from it over the foot-path, and over the front door 

 is a square sign " THE RED LION licensed to sell foreign 

 spirits and beer, to be drunk on the premises." We turn into a 

 dark hall, and opening a door to the left, enter the kitchen ? 

 Such a kitchen ! You would not believe me if I could describe 

 how bright every thing is. You would think the fireplace a 

 show-model, for the very bars of the grate are glistening. It is 

 all a-glow with red-hot coals ; a bright brass tea-kettle swings 

 and sings from a polished steel crane hook, jack, and all like 

 silver ; the brass coal-scuttle, tongs, shovel, and warming-pan are 

 blazingly radiant, and the walls and mantel-piece are covered 

 with bright plate-covers, and I know not what other metallic fur- 

 niture, all burnished to the highest degree. 



The landlady rises and begs to take our wet hats a model 

 landlady, too. What a fine eye ! a kind and welcoming black 



