Behind the fir plantations there is an extensive range of stabling,
recently erected, with all the latest improvements. A telegraph wire
connects the house with the stable, so that carriage or horse may be
instantly summoned. Another wire has been carried to the nearest
junction with the general telegraphic system; so that the resident in
this retired spot may communicate his wishes without a moment's delay to
any part of the world.
In the gardens and pleasure-grounds near the house all manner of
ornamental shrubs are planted. There are conservatories, vineries,
pineries; all the refinements of horticulture. The pheasants stray about
the gravel walks and across the close-mown lawn where no daisy dares to
lift its head. Yet, with all this precision of luxury, one thing is
lacking--_the_ one thing, the keystone of English country life--_i.e._ a
master whose heart is in the land.
The estate is in process of 'nursing' for a minor. The revenues had
become practically sequestrated to a considerable extent in consequence
of careless living when the minor nominally succeeded. It happened that
the steward appointed was not only a lawyer of keen intelligence, but a
conscientious man. He did his duty thoroughly. Every penny was got out
of the estate that could be got, and every penny was saved.
First, the rents were raised to the modern standard, many of them not
having been increased for years.
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