“Hovenden Lodge, madam, is not yet quite spoiled by the improvements; but if you take a little more pains, I think you may make it one of the most ridiculous buildings in the kingdom.”
In justice to Mr. Martindale, we are bound to state that he would not have made such an observation to every one; but he knew Miss Isabella, and was sure that no very serious effects would follow from any severity of remark which he might make. And the result was as he had anticipated: for the young lady was not a whit abashed, but the rather encouraged to proceed, and to reply according to the spirit of the old gentleman’s remark.
“I think I shall endeavour to persuade papa to build a gothic front to Hovenden Lodge, in imitation of Brigland Abbey; and then, Mr. Martindale, I suppose you will acknowledge that it is really improved.”
“And then, Miss Isabella, I will pull down the front of Brigland Abbey, and supply its place by an exact imitation of the present front of Hovenden Lodge; and then it will be a difficult matter to decide which is the greatest blockhead, Sir Andrew Featherstone or old John Martindale.”
“Upon my word, Mr. Martindale, you are very polite,” replied Isabella, almost angry at being outdone in the way of banter.
“No such thing, madam, I am not polite. I am not fond of nonsense;” and then, in order to soften in some degree the apparent ruggedness of his manner, he added: “But if you have a taste for architecture, I shall be very happy to show you some engravings and drawings which I brought with me from Italy. You shall come down to my cottage to-morrow morning, and you will find some pictures worth looking at.”
“When were you in Italy, sir? I never heard of it.”
“Perhaps not. I was there twenty years before you were born.” Mr. Martindale then turned away from the table, and looking out at window, declared that there was no occasion for any one to stay within on account of the weather; and, by way of setting an example to the rest of the party, he directly walked out alone. Isabella was pleased at the promise of poring over some architectural drawings, and most especially delighted with an opportunity which seemed to be promised of talking about Italy. It was a place which she had never visited, but she was proud of an acquaintance with its poetry and topography.
Since the peace of 1815, such myriads of people have visited France, that Paris has become as vulgar as Margate. It is most earnestly to be desired that the plebeian part of the community will not pollute with their presence, or profane with their prate, the classic plains, groves, temples, and cities of Italy. The establishment of steam-packets threatens the encroachment; and then the resource of the fashionable must be Constantinople; from whence, perhaps, they ultimately may be driven onwards to Ispahan and Delhi. The East India Company will not let them go to Canton.
The rest of the party gradually dispersed, most industriously and diligently bent on seeking some amusement wherewith to while away the weary hours which must be got rid of by some means or other before dinner. Let not the reader lightly regard this fact; for it is one of the greatest difficulties in the life of some persons at some periods of the year. There are to be found in this world not a few who are abundantly able and willing to reward with great liberality the genius who should be fortunate enough to discover or invent an infallible method of rendering it pleasant or tolerable to wait for dinner in the country.