292 AN AMERICAN FARMER IX EXGLAXD. 



sir ? What'll you please to have for breakfast, sir ? Steak, sir ? 

 O yes, sir or chop, sir ; give you very nice chop, sir ; yes, sir, 

 thank you, sir. Walk in here, sir ? Ready shortly, sir." 



To get to the breakfast I was led through the kitchen, a large 

 room with saddles and box-coats and whips and straps hung up 

 with the bacon on the ceiling and walls. The breakfast-room 

 (dining-room) was much larger than any room you would have 

 supposed, from the front of the house, it was likely to contain. 

 Its plan was octagonal, with a single great red- curtained bow- 

 window and stately, high-backed chairs, suggesting a corporation 

 banquet. 



" Going on, sir yes, sir." All my things are brought, dry 

 and warm, and nicely folded ; and now I have curiosity to know 

 what value is placed upon so much suavity. The landlord meets 

 my request with deprecating gesture and grimace, as if it was a 

 pity that the custom of society made such a form necessary be- 

 tween a host and his guest as if he were about to say, " I am 

 grieved that you should mention it ; really, it is I that am in- 

 debted to you for this honor ; but if you insist, why" ending the 

 aside, but still low, hurried, and indistinct " sixpence for bed 

 and a shilling for breakfast, and (shall I say thre'pence ?) for 

 Boots, sir." " Yes, and the rest to that excellent little chamber- 

 maid, if you please." " Oh, my little girl, sir ; oh, thank ye, sir, 

 you are very good, sir yes, sir, you can't miss it, sir ; straight 

 road after you pass the gate, sir. Good-morning, sir ; should be 

 glad to see you if you are this way again, sir, or any of your 

 friends. Good-morning, sir. Hope you'll have a fine day yet, sir! 

 It's slacking up e'en now, I think. Indeed it is, sir ! Ah, you'll 

 have a fine day for a walk, sir. Good-morning, sir." 



If it slackens at all, it is only for a moment, and then the rain 

 pours down again densely and with renewed vehemence ; and the 

 wind, coming from behind, fairly twists me about, and hurries me 



