LORD VERULAM. 141 



well as his manner, I said (having my 

 late error uppermost in my mind) I was 

 sorry I had so unwittingly trespassed, but 

 if he would be kind enough to point out 

 the nearest way to the turnpike road, I 

 would immediately retire; to which he, 

 with a smile, replied, there was no neces- 

 sity for that. His lordship, he added, had 

 sent him purposely to ask me in, and show 

 me the house and grounds, if I desired it. 



"What nobleman," said I, "has done 

 me such honour?" 



"Lord Verulam." 



"What?" I said, "is this Gorhambury, 

 once the seat of the great Lord Bacon ? " 



" The same, sir," said my conductor. 



" I had no thought that I was any- 

 where so near it. I should like very 

 much to see it." 



" Then come with me, sir." Closing my 

 book and putting it in my pocket, I ac- 

 companied him into this handsome and 



