Such is the usual preparation
before an advertisement appears that a mansion of 'historic
association,' and 'replete with every modern convenience,' is to let,
with some thousand of acres of shooting, &c.
They still kept up an establishment of servants--after a fashion--who
did much as they pleased. Dickon was a great favourite. As for myself, a
mere dreamy lad, I could go into the woods and wander as I liked, which
was sufficient. But I recollect the immense kitchen very well, and the
polished relics of the ancient turnspit machinery. There was a door from
it opening on a square stone-flagged court with a vertical sun-dial on
the wall; and beyond that ranges of disused coach-houses--all cloudy, as
it were, with cobwebs hanging on old-fashioned post-chaises. Dickon was
in love with one of the maids, a remarkably handsome girl.
She showed me the famous mantelpiece, a vast carved work, under which
you could stand upright. The legend was that once a year on a certain
night a sable horse and cloaked horseman rode across that great
apartment, flames snorting from the horse's nostrils, and into the
fireplace, disappearing with a clap of thunder. She brought me, too, an
owl from the coach-houses, holding the bird by the legs firmly, her hand
defended by her apron from the claws.
The butler was a little merry fellow, extremely fond of a gun, and
expert in using it.
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