THE SMUGGLED 45 



Church. Harbourne Wood was^ indeed, at that time, very 

 extensive, joining on to the large piece of woodland, from 

 which it is now separated, and stretching out as far as that 

 place with an unpleasant name, called Gallows Green. The 

 whole of this space, and a considerable portion of the culti- 

 vated ground around, was within the manor of the master of 

 the mansion, Sir Kobert Croyland, of Harbourne, the elder 

 brother of that Mr. Zachary Croyland, whom we have seen 

 travelling down into Kent with two companions in the newly- 

 established stage-coach. 



About four days after that memorable journey, a traveller 

 on horseback, followed by a servant leading another horse, and 

 with a portmanteau behind him, rode up the little parish road 

 we have mentioned, took the turning which led to the terrace, 

 and drew in his bridle at the great door of Harbourne House. 

 I would describe him again, but I have already given the 

 reader so correct and accurate a picture of Sir Edward Digby, 

 that he cannot make any mistake. The only change which 

 had taken place in his appearance, since he set out from Lon- 

 don, was produced by his being now dressed in a full military 

 costume ; but nevertheless the eyes of a fair lady, who was in 

 the drawing-room, and had a full view of the terrace, conveyed 

 to her mind, as she saw him ride up, the impression that he 

 was a very handsome man indeed. In two minutes more, 

 which were occupied by the opening of the door and sundry 

 directions given by the young baronet to his servant, Sir 

 Edward Digby was ushered into the drawing-room, and ad- 

 vanced with a frank, free, military air, though unacquainted 

 with any of the persons it contained. As his arrival about 

 that hour was expected, the whole family of Harbourne House 

 was assembled to receive him ; and before we proceed farther, 

 we may as well give some account of the different persons of 

 whom the little circle was composed. 



The first whom Sir Edward's eyes fell upon was the master 

 of the mansion, who had risen, and \va.s coming forward to 

 welcome his guest. Sir Kobert Croyland, however, was so 

 different a person from his brother, in every point, that the 

 young officer could hardly believe that he had the baronet 

 before him. He was a large, heavy-looking man, with good 

 features and expressive eyes, but sallow in complexion, and 

 though somewhat corpulent, having that look of loose, flabby 



