OUT-OF-TOWN PLACES 



commandment. Horace has touched the mat- 

 ter prettily in his satire; but he might have 

 added that the merchant is never so contented, 

 as when he hears the old soldier, or the officer 

 on half-pay exclaim : "0 fortunati merca- 

 toresT And the country is never more 

 charming than when we read — and reading, 

 believe — 



" Agricolam laudat juris leg-umque peritus." 



When Mr , Urban shall have made the 

 skilful lawyer covetous of his fruits, his fields, 

 his walks, he may sell — if he chooses. As I 

 said, we never cease breaking the tenth com- 

 mandment and trying to make other people 

 break it. And pray, who keeps the other 

 nine? 



COUNTRY HOUSES AND REPAIRS 



What man or woman of us all does not some 

 time think of a house that shall one day be a 

 home? Who does not ponder the subject — 

 forecast its details— outline its surroundings- 

 invest it with charms— dally with its image, 

 and give to his imaginings a most grateful ac- 



276 



