THE PLEASURES OF THE COUNTRY

A VISIT TO THE OLD HALL.


Edward and Kate lived in a country town. It was a cheerful, clean town,
with wide streets, and an old church that had large trees round it, and
ivy growing up the tower. Their house had a garden behind it, in which
they used to play very happily, drive their hoops round the walks, and
run and jump about on the grass-plot. They also made many pleasant
little excursions into the country round, when their sister Laura was
able to go with them.

One of their favourite walks was through the woods belonging to an
ancient manor-house, always called "The Old Hall," about a mile from the
town. It belonged to a rich nobleman; but nobody had lived in it for a
long time. The gardens and park were, however, kept in fine order; and
it was said, that some day the house would be put in repair and
furnished. As it was now, people could walk by the paths through the
woods close up to it.

One of these paths was just outside the wall of the flower garden, and
led up to the portico of a sort of summer house or pavilion, partly gone
to ruin. The door of this pavilion was always closed; but it was so
shady and pleasant all round there, that it was a favourite place for
Edward and Kate to play in, while Laura sat under a tree reading; and
they would often look up at the beautiful roses, jasmines, and other
creepers that hung over the top of the wall, and wish they might go into
the garden and see all the lovely flowers they thought must be there.