ollowing the Revolution introduced. The extent of the
building and the grandeur of the circling demesnes were sufficient to
render the mansion imposing in effect; while, perhaps, the style of
the architecture was calculated to conjoin a stately comfort with
magnificence, and to atone in solidity for any deficiency in grace.

At a little distance from the house, and placed on a much more
commanding site, were some ancient and ivy-grown ruins, now scanty
indeed and fast mouldering into decay, but sufficient to show the
antiquarian the remains of what once had been a hold of no ordinary size
and power. These were the wrecks of the old mansion, which was recorded
by tradition to have been reduced to this state by accidental
fire, during the banishment of its loyal owner in the time of the
Protectorate. Upon his return the present house was erected.

As Clarence was thus stationed he perceived an elderly man approach
towards him. "This is fortunate," said he to himself,--"the very person
I have been watching for. Well, years have passed lightly over old
Wardour: still the same precise garb, the same sturdy and slow step, the
same upright form."

The person thus designated now drew near enough for parlance; and, in
a tone a little authoritative, though very respectful, inquired if
Clarence had any business to transact with him.

"I beg pardon," said Clarence, slouching his hat over his face, "for
lingering so near the house at this hour: but I have seen it many years
ago, and indeed been a guest within its walls; and it is rather my
interest for an old friend, than my curiosity to examine a new one,
which you are to blame for my trespass."

"Oh, sir," answered Mr. Wardour, a short and rather stout man, of
about sixty-four, attired in a chocolate coat, gray breeches, and silk
stockings of the same dye, which, by the waning light, took a sombrer
and sadder hue, "oh, sir, pray make no apology. I am only sorry the hour
is so late that I cannot offer to show you the interior of the house:
perhaps, if you are staying in the neighbourhood, you would like to see
it to-morrow. You were here, I take it, sir, in my old lord's time?

"I was!--upon a visit to his second son: we had been boys together."

"What! Master Clinton?" cried the old man, with extreme, animation;
and then, suddenly changing his voice, added, in a subdued and saddened
tone, "Ah, poor young gentleman, I wonder where he is now?"

"Why, is he not in this countr