2 ARDENMOHR. 



We still were some ten miles from the end of our 

 journey, but felt none of that impatience shown by 

 fussy railway travellers, or more distinctly patent in 

 sea-going " miserables." Our vehicle held manifold 

 comforts in its recesses and curiously contrived 

 pockets, while the worthy who did postillion was 

 Ward's valet and factotum, Dick, who can cook a 

 chop, ride a steeplechase, or carry a love-letter with 

 equal propriety. 



There is always to me peculiar enjoyment in driving 

 along these Highland roads, especially in a new 

 country, and the more so on such an evening as this. 

 It had rained heavily early in the day, but had now 

 cleared up, and the great aromatic pines and fields of 

 white clover smelt, oh, how fresh and sweet ! At every 

 turn there was a change of scene : here dark wood on 

 either side, with now and then a peep through some 

 open glade; by-and-by wide moor and rolling hills 

 far beyond, then past braes covered with broom and 

 wild flowers ; now, by a thatched hamlet at the burn- 

 side, we catch a glimpse of white-haired urchins at 

 play, or a shy Highland maiden filling her pitchers 

 at the stream ; then through miles of wood, and we 

 drove down a steep part of the road, crossed a bustling 

 little burn, and came to the river. 



