The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-05-19
From Chambers' Journal.
The Warren.

Some years ago ! received an invitation
from lady, whom shall Mrs. Eslcourt, to
accompany her to the quiet and picturesque
balling place Of W: an invitation
which was dOubly pleasing to me. not only
because ! had great regard for Mrs. Est
court, but lecause, within FIVE miles OF
W, there resided family with whom
/ hal formerly passed many happy weeks.
and whose long tried friendship made ths
prospect of being so near them most de-
lighdul. Mrs. Eslcourt had been a widow
about five years; and at the period Of which
speak she was little more than thirty
Al an early sge she had been married TO a
man considerably hes senior, yet her mar
riage hal been most happy one; and al
though she was not disconsolsie on her bus
bands death. she truly mouned his los.
Smiles, heIOkening perfect conlentment, al
length dsnoied that the widows grief as
Owes, when | accompanied her to W.
Ste Was very beautiful in person, and fas-
eInstiug in manner. Perhaps strangers
might think her liuLe too meHy-heaIted,
considering her position; but ], who well
knew her innate goodness and sound sense,
thought her clear, pleasant laugh the most
exhilaraling sound in The world. She had
already received more than one offer Of
marriage during her widowhood; nor is this
surprising considering her attractions, not
10 mention the IA I, that her late husband
had left her one thousand pounds a year.
But Mrs. Estcourt turned deaf ear to the
voice Of the chamer, charmed he ever so
wisely and in the full enjoyment of her
hobby-for she had one, and that a singu.
lar one, perhaps, for lsdy-her DAYS
flowed peacefully on; and il was partly for
the further iDdul genee OF this hobby that
She selected W as the place OF soiourn
Tor the summer, it being a fsvorite resort
OF the conchologist aud mineralogist.
AIRS. Eslcouu had studied conchology
enthusiastically for some years, and she had
a very pretty collection of shells. An in.
detstgable she'll gatherer she proved al
w; and on my mentioning that the
son of those old friends, whose residence
was within few miles, was learned 10 like
lore, and had sn excellent museum of ia.
tuIsl curiosilies, she became eager for an
introduction, and speedily drove me over 10
the Warren IN her low pony phaeton. AZ
ter traversing dreary hills and waste tracts
Of land. while listening 10 the sullen boom.
ing oil the ocean, 1t was cheering to arrive
al this low, rambling, but substantial dwell
ling, inhabited by Mr.. and Mrs. Bowel.
and their son Mr.. Matthew. The travel.
Ter had need TO arrive at an early hour of
the evening, for soon after the cuIiew bell
Iolled, all the lights in the mansion were
ekdnguiShed, and The family retired TO rest;
while long before daylight in winter, aud
with sunrise in summer, were the house
hold again astir. This consisted of farm
and household domestics; the husbandmen
strictly fulfilling their appointed duties, &C
cording to the most approved rules and reg
uiations OF past centuries, no new-fangled
systems being listened to or tolerated by
MIR. Bowel; while the maidens assembled
round their Industrious mistress, with spin
ning. wheels, or other thrifty employments.
each day after the morning hustle and The
noon meal were over. At this meal the
master, mistress, their son, and all The ser.
wants. outdoor aud in, dined at the same
table, the only distincsion being, that
lower place was occupied by the subordn.
ates. Nor was this usage ever deviated
from or omitted, let who might be the guess.
Ia caPacious hail, with low rafiers, and
walnscotting black from age, the table was
daily spread for dinner, at an hour when
some OF Us, calling ourselves busy folks
TOO. are sitting down to breakfast. There
was yawnlng chimney in this old hall. |
with cosy hooks beside it; and, protected by
q folding screen, Mrs. Bovelrs own I,tle
tea-table stood ensconced here each after.
noon. Bat when any lady visitor came 10
The Warren. there was fire lii ia the par
lor, whose bay window looked ON the CAV
Hover garden. la this room, fitted up with
snow dimity, bound with green silken
innge, and decorated with antique engrsy.
ings, the subjects taken from passages IN
the Sacred Writings, il was very pleasant
to drink tea at three O'Clock: when the
cream and the butter. the home made bread.
hot and cold, plumcake and conseryes. and
last though not least the finest Hysou.
bre~ed IN the quaintest of tea-pots--f;ls: !,
greed and pro(usely ornamented wa. ,s;s
silver heirloom-rendered th,.: meal. afier I,
a long walk or windy ride, singalarly /,
novel and refreshing. -
The tee-tahle was presided over by The
Slndest and dearest OF busy, cheerful. tain
awe Old ladies, an the person OF Dame
Bowel. sttired 10 brossde and ruffles biob
heeled' shoes, apd a couture with powdsSed i
roll surrounding her high forehead. T6en 4;
IN marched Squire Bowel, clad 10 russs, !
gray Of ample cut, with popderousT silver I
oockles 10 bis shoes, and well.cprlsd's ;a !,
'n his hoe old pate. he. indeed. ,,rose,.eS !,
o decls'm against tea; neveslheiess two az
Dc three inychiGs cups kfof the; best blao,l =
lna gold was alssys used in die paTInrS Ia
,so 70 De rePleDished oae fer another ~ n
ne contents disappeared in his hands ~ Is,
was to keep eSoa Mathew, como.s,, 4 =
s'o 'he squire, for Mstihew was an .nve.' !,
,'sle tes.dtinker-twelye or loSr,esn IN /,
nsss larry bowls full being bis s.pssIer a. +
Mr. Matthew Bowel ysl =. n, s. JlLT, cb;ld =