g was not an accomplishment
which he had enjoyed any opportunity of practising. One of the first
amusements which Mrs Bracebridge had arranged for her young guest, and
the other friends of her son, was a pic-nic to Barton Forest, a large
and picturesque wood in the neighbourhood. There were long open glades,
and green shady walks, through which the deer alone were in general wont
to pass, except on such an occasion as that at present in contemplation,
or when an adventurous couple strayed into its retired precincts. I
ought to have spoken of the cordial way in which Ellis was received, not
only by Mr Bracebridge, but by Mrs Bracebridge and all the family, and
the wish they exhibited of placing him at his ease, and making him quite
at home. He showed how much he valued their kindness by looking far
more lively and happy than he had done for a long time. The day of the
proposed pic-nic broke bright and fair, with every prospect of the
continuance of fine weather. Several families joined in it from far and
near, and all sorts of vehicles were put in requisition: barouches, and
pony carriages, and gigs, and even carts and waggons. The merriest, and
certainly the most noisy party, went in a long spring waggon, and to
their charge were entrusted several hampers, containing part of the
provender for the rural feast. Ellis, Bouldon, Buttar, and others were
of this party. Ernest, with his brother Charles, rode, and frequently
came up alongside to have a talk with their friends. The boys gave way
heartily to the excitement of the scene; they laughed they sang, they
shouted to their heart's content--no one hindering them. Never,
perhaps, have a merrier party ever collected in a waggon. Tom Bouldon,
and one or two others, only regretted that they had not pea-shooters
with them, as he said, to pepper the passengers in their progress, but
Ellis cried out against this.

"No, no!" he exclaimed; "it may, or may not, be all very well on a high
road, where people expect such things when they see a parcel of
schoolboys together, and if they don't like it, will not stand on
ceremony about heaving stones in return; but in a country district they
take us for young gentlemen, and would never dream of throwing anything
at us in return. The cottagers would only wonder what had come over
us--perhaps would think us gone mad; at all events it would be very
cowardly to attack them."

Buttar agreed with Ellis, and they soon won over the