84 WINTER SKETCHES. 



once heard the question of diet discussed. 

 There were various theories suggested as to 

 carbonaceous, and nitrogenous food, the di- 

 gestibleness of some things, the indigestible- 

 ness of others. But it seemed to me that the 

 question was settled by a bright, intelligent, 

 healthy woman who observed : *' I don't think 

 it makes so much difference what or how much 

 we eat. It all depends on the company with 

 whom we eat it." Certainly in this case that 

 chief requisite was at hand, with all the taste- 

 ful appointments of the table. 



More I will not say of the charming hospi- 

 tality of my friend and of his family, of the 

 delightful evening in his library, where I saw 

 nothing of the books but their covers, for 

 social intercourse was to me more agreeable 

 than anything they might contain. Nor will I 

 say much of the billiards at which later on I 

 gained but an occasional victory, nor of the in- 

 ternal night-cap, the dreamless night, the sub- 

 stantial breakfast, the kind good-byes, the cor- 

 dial invitation to come again, which I never 

 decline. I have sought to give a sketch of 

 American country houses in the winter. It is a 

 family picture which may be reproduced in 

 the memory of my readers, and I trust that 



