“Many a year has rolled by since these houses were built,” said I, as I sat down on a stepping-stone.
“Many, indeed, sir,” said the woman, “and many a strange thing has happened.”
“Did you ever hear of one Oliver Cromwell?” said I.
“O yes, sir, and of King Charles too. The men of both have been in this yard and have baited their horses; aye, and have mounted their horses from the stone on which you sit.”
“I suppose they were hardly here together?” said I.
“No, no, sir,” said the woman, “they were bloody enemies, and could never set their horses together.”
“Are these long houses,” said I, “inhabited by different families?”
“Only by one, sir; they make now one farm-house.”
“Are you the mistress of it?” said I.
“I am, sir, and my husband is the master. Can I bring you anything, sir?”