nce.

In his presence, the ladies came first properly to enjoy what was around
them. His practised eye received every effect in its freshness, and he
found all the more pleasure in what was before him, as he had not
previously known the place, and was scarcely able to distinguish what
man had done there from what nature had presented to him ready made.

We may even say that through his remarks the park grew and enriched
itself; he was able to anticipate in their fulfilment the promises of
the growing plantations. There was not a spot where there was any effect
which could be either heightened or produced, but what he observed it.

In one place he pointed to a fountain which, if it was cleaned out,
promised to be the most beautiful spot for a picnic party; in another,
to a cave which had only to be enlarged and swept clear of rubbish to
form a desirable seat. A few trees might be cut down, and a view would
be opened from it of some grand masses of rock, towering magnificently
against the sky. He wished the owners joy that so much was still
remaining for them to do, and he besought them not to be in a hurry
about it, but to keep for themselves for years to come the pleasures of
shaping and improving.

At the hours which the ladies usually spent alone he was never in the
way, for he was occupied the greatest part of the day in catching such
views in the park as would make good paintings, in a portable camera
obscura, and drawing from them, in order to secure some desirable fruits
from his travels for himself and others. For many years past he had been
in the habit of doing this in all remarkable places which he visited,
and had provided himself by it with a most charming and interesting
collection. He showed the ladies a large portfolio which he had brought
with him, and entertained them with the pictures and with descriptions.
And it was a real delight to them, here in their solitude, to travel so
pleasantly over the world, and see sweep past them, shores and havens,
mountains, lakes, and rivers, cities, castles, and a hundred other
localities which have a name in history.

Each of the two ladies had an especial interest in it--Charlotte the
more general interest in whatever was historically remarkable; Ottilie
dwelling in preference on the scenes of which Edward used most to
talk--where he liked best to stay, and which he would most often
revisit. Every man has somewhere, far or near, his peculiar localities
which a