246 LORD VERULAM 



I make my appearance there again. Upon inquiring 

 why such a proceeding was thought necessary, I found 

 I was suspected of being in search of pheasants' eggs ; 

 and this caused a very angry correspondence between 

 me and the gentleman, in which I did not fail to 

 animadvert upon the illiberal construction he had put 

 on my innocent recreation. 



I should not have mentioned this slight incident, 

 were it not to contrast it with another of a very opposite 

 nature. Sauntering one day in another direction, after 

 wandering along bye-paths, through fields and woods, 

 I emerged suddenly on a green lawn, in full view of 

 a fine mansion. It would have appeared that I was 

 observed, for a person issued from the lower apartments, 

 came towards me, and, raising his hat, politely asked 

 if I wished to see the house. Surprised at his question, 

 as well as his manner, T said (having my late error 

 uppermost im my mind) I was sorry I had so un- 

 wittingly 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 necessity 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 anywhere so near it. 

 I should like very much to see it." 



