The Irish standard., 1891-04-18

- question is almost as it was more tina
a century ago, and never, in any coun
g try, were village inns and their surround
ings represented BY wide 0rnamenta
entrance gates, finely planted an
cultivated demesne, and a handsom
private residence. such. too, as th
young traveller lwho, by the way. ha.
been reared in pretty little mansion
himse]f), would have constantly seel
around his own Lissoy at Edgeworths
town. and in the magnificent residence
of the Hobsons, into whose famii7
Goldsmith's sister had married. Th'
j, youth was gentle and simple in man
ner--the latter, | take 1t, the sures
sign of his great genius-~but he never
showed nimrelf a simpleton, 1t is mos
likely that the idea presented to tn,
village joker by the chance words ''tht
best house OF entertainment in the
place." was seized upon an1 secretly
enioyed by Goldsmith. who adopted
and acted the part suggested by the an
swer to his inquiry; that the supposed
mistake was enjoyed by Squire Feather
stone, and SO that it was q capital game
Of diamond cut diamond all round. the
laugh remaining with the poet, who
years after, made his name as writer
of comedy famous by his mistakes OF
a Night"
With great courtesy a visitor is al
lowed to go oyer everv room of the old
house. Here are the wide steps where,
| by the hight Of the great log fire blazing
in the hall, we see the old squire, his
| two hands extended: Gentlemen, once
more you are heartily welcome. Which
is Mr. Marlow2 Sir. you're heartily
welcome. It's not my way you see, to
receive my friends with my back to the
fire. ] give them a hearty reception, in
The good old style, at my gate. / like
! to see their horses and trunks taken
care Of"
! Then. from tie veranda, We see the
guests step iuto the side hall, the host
in his cordial way, saying all manner
Of polite things to make the strangers
feet at hCme. II beg, MI. MARROW,
you'll use no ceremony in this house.
GentlamaD, pray be under no restraint
III this house. This is Liberty Hall,
gentlemen. You may do just as you
please here,''
A door to the left leads into the din
ing room, handsome room with
yauited ceiling, one end OF the room
semi circular. which gives a very strjK"
Ing effect. The furniture, like that OF
the whole house, is principally Of the
last century, the curious crimson drap
ery OF the windows being quantity in
keeping with all. Here the late Sir
Georgs Featherstone's portrait gives us
an idea of what was the squire to whom
as master OF a supposed lnn, the tray-
ellers so cavalierjy gave their orders,
humoring. in a condescending way, his
fancy for being thought gentleman
as Hastings says in an aside, Il see
this fellow wants to give us his com
pany, and forgets that he's an inn
keeper, before be has learned to be a
gentleman
Marlow--'sInstead Of the battle of
Belgrade, think it's almost time to
talk about supper. What has your phil
0sophy got in the house for suppar?"
Hardcastle 1.-THE host )--"Eor supper,
STRIP (Aside) WAS ever such a re-
q quest to man in his own house?"
Marlow--''Y as, sir; supper sir, be
gin to feel an appetite. | shall make
dev1lsh work in the larder tonight, /
promise you"
Hardcastle (aside)-"Such a brazen
dog, sure never nv eyes bebeld.' (To
him)-"Why. really, sir. as for supper,
cant tell. My Dorothy and the cook
maid settle these thing between them
leave these things to them"
Marlow--" You Go, do yoa?'
Hardcastle-s -s'Entirely. BY the by,
believe they are in actual consultation
upon what's for supper this moment in
the Kitchen"
Marlow--"Then I beg they'll allow
me as one of their privy council, It's a
way I've got. When | travel, always
choose to regulate my own supper Let
the COOK be called. No offence. hope,
si1p"
Has1in ys-s'Let's see the best of lar
der, then. ask IL as favor. l always
match my appetite to my bill of fare. J"
NARROW (to Hardcastle, who looks at
them with surprise)-"Sir. he is very
right. and it is my way. too
Hardcastle--"S you have right to
command here. Roger, bring us the
DILL Of fare for to nights supper. be-
lieve it is drawn out. Your manner,
Mr.. Hastings, puts me In mind of my
uncle, Colonel Wallop. 1t was say
ing of his that no man was sure of his
supper till he had eaten lt.o
Hastings (aside)-"All on the high
ropes. His uncle q colonel. We shall
soon hear Of his mother being justice
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