certain writers say, when they have been
writing nonsense,--but to be less poetical and more exact, the morning,
though in the depth of winter, was bright and clear, and Lord Mauleverer
found himself in particularly good health. Nothing could be better
planned than the whole of his arrangements. Unlike those which are
ordinarily chosen for the express reason of being as foreign as possible
to the nature of our climate, all at Lord Mauleverer's were made
suitable to a Greenland atmosphere. The temples and summer-houses,
interspersed through the grounds, were fitted up, some as Esquimaux
huts, others as Russian pavilions; fires were carefully kept up; the
musicians Mauleverer took care should have as much wine as they pleased;
they were set skilfully in places where they were unseen, but where they
could be heard. One or two temporary buildings were erected for those
who loved dancing; and as Mauleverer, miscalculating on the principles
of human nature, thought gentlemen might be averse from ostentatious
exhibition, he had hired persons to skate minuets and figures of eight
upon his lakes, for the amusement of those who were fond of skating. All
people who would be kind enough to dress in strange costumes and make
odd noises, which they called singing, the earl had carefully engaged,
and planted in the best places for making them look still stranger than
they were.

There was also plenty to eat, and more than plenty to drink. Mauleverer
knew well that our countrymen and countrywomen, whatever be their rank,
like to have their spirits exalted. In short, the whole dejeuner was so
admirably contrived that it was probable the guests would not look much
more melancholy during the amusements than they would have done had they
been otherwise engaged at a funeral.

Lucy and the squire were among the first arrivals. Mauleverer,
approaching the father and daughter with his most courtly manner,
insisted on taking the latter under his own escort, and being her
cicerone through the round of preparations.

As the crowd thickened, and it was observed how gallant were the
attentions testified towards Lucy by the host, many and envious were
the whispers of the guests! Those good people, naturally angry at the
thought that two individuals should be married, divided themselves into
two parties: one abused Lucy, and the other Lord Mauleverer; the former
vituperated her art, the latter his folly. "I thought she would play
her cards well,