Presently they came to the bottom of the hill on which the famous fortress of Warkworth formerly stood, and there, at the landing-place, they fastened the boat. The hill was steep, but the young people enjoyed the fun of climbing it all the more for that; when they reached the top, they were well repaid for their trouble.
"What a magnificent view!" exclaimed the student.
"Do you say so," cried Grace, "who have seen the beautiful spots in so many countries? I am myself very proud of our Northumberland, but that you should show any delight, is almost a surprise to me."
"Nay, why should it be? 'A thing of beauty is a joy for ever;' but the joy is still greater when the beautiful objects are our own."
"What splendid old ruins they are!" exclaimed Ellen.
"Yes," said George; "although the keep remains, all the rest being in ruins, it has a most imposing appearance."
"How grand it must have been before its glory passed away!"
"Yes, it must indeed! Even now it is not so gloomy as many ruins are."
"Perhaps that is because the stones keep their natural colour."
"To whom does it belong?"