stand you quite," replied the landlord with
sudden dignity. "But here's your carriage and your things are all on.
I guess your tenants will be glad to see you," he continued, not
resisting a parting shot.

"Curse the tenants!" muttered the guest in ill-humor, as he strode
from the tavern without more ado.

He was soon on his way, partly forgetting his vexation in new
anticipations, and traveling with spirit to his destination, which he
reached late that afternoon. The residence of the old patroons, a
lordly manor where once lavish hospitality had been displayed, was
approached through great gates of hammered iron in which the family
arms were interwoven, leading into a fine avenue of trees. The
branches of the more majestic met overhead, forming a sylvan arch that
almost obscured the blue sky by day and the stars by night. Gazing
through this vista, a stately portico appeared, with Corinthian
columns, affording an inviting termination of the view. The grounds
bore evidence of neglect in the grass growing knee-high and rank with
weeds; the flower beds almost obliterated; a corn-crib sunk to one
side like a quadruped gone weak-kneed; and the stream that struggled
vainly through the leaves and rubbish barring its passage across the
estate. The fence resembled the "company front" of an awkward squad,
each picket being more or less independent of its neighbor, with here
and there a break or gap in the ranks.

Passing through the leafy archway over a noiseless road and drawing
near the manor, the heir could see that the broad windows, with their
quaint squares of glass, were unwashed, the portico unswept and the
brass finishings of the front door unpolished. At the right of the
steps leading to the portico, moss-covered and almost concealed by a
rose-bush, stood a huge block of granite upon which rested the
"lifting-stone," as it was called, of one of the early masters. This
not inconsiderable weight the new retainers had been required to lift
in days of old, or failing, the patroon would have none of their
services, for he wanted only lusty, broad-backed varlets for farmers
or--when need were--soldiers.

In answer to repeated summons from the ponderous knocker, shuffling
footsteps were finally heard within, the door was opened a few inches
and the gleaming teeth of a great, gaunt dog were thrust into the
opening, followed by an ominous growling. Mauville sprang back a step;
the snarling resolved itself into a yelp, as s