HOSPITALITY. 185 



mansion or house he had built in the 

 Forest now occupied by one of our great 

 naval commanders* where he enjoyed the 

 society of his neighbours and friends, and 

 where, I need scarcely say, he kept a very 

 good table, extending his hospitality to 

 all around. Upon any extra display, I 

 was generally sent for, as well to partake of 

 some choice viands, as to participate in 

 the hilarity of the company, or to be in- 

 troduced to some of his numerous visitors. 

 Upon one of these occasions I met with 

 what might have been a serious acci- 

 dent. 



The engaging manners, as well as sweet 

 expression of countenance, of my second 

 sister then just growing into womanhood 

 had attracted the attention of a young 

 man, who had come to settle in our parish ; 

 he was the son of a wealthy yeoman in 

 another part of the county. After some 

 little time he was accepted, and, upon 



* Sir Charles Napier. 



