CHAPTER III.
Ellesmere soon wrote us word that he would be able to come down again; and I agreed to be at Worth-Ashton (Milverton’s house) on the day of his arrival. I had scarcely seated myself at our usual place of meeting before the friends entered, and after greeting me, the conversation thus began:
Ellesmere. Upon my word, you people who live in the country have a pleasant time of it. As Milverton was driving me from the station through Durley Wood, there was such a rich smell of pines, such a twittering of birds, so much joy, sunshine, and beauty, that I began to think, if there were no such place as London, it really would be very desirable to live in the country.
Milverton. What a climax! But I am always very suspicious, when Ellesmere appears to be carried away by any enthusiasm, that it will break off suddenly, like the gallop of a post-horse.
Dunsford. Well, what are we to have for our essay!
Milverton. Despair.
Ellesmere. I feel equal to anything just now, and so, if it must be read sometime or other, let us have it now.
Milverton. You need not be afraid. I want to take away, not to add gloom. Shall I read?
We assented, and he began.