基本信息
d squire. now all is polish, on which no yesterday's dust is ever allowed to rest, from the yard's width of oaken boards round the carpet, to the old squire's gun and whips and walking-sticks, ranged on the stag's antlers above the mantelpiece. all other signs of sporting and outdoor occupation nancy has removed to another room; but she has brought into the red house the habit of filial reverence, and preserves sacredly in a place of honour these relics of her husband's departed father. the tankards are on the side-table still, but the bossed silver is undimmed by handling, and there are no dregs to send forth unpleasant suggestions: the only prevailing scent is of the lavender and rose-leaves that fill the vases of derbyshire spar. all is purity and order in this once dreary room, for, fifteen years ago, it was entered by a new presiding spirit.
"now, father," said nancy, "_is_ there any call for you to go home to tea? mayn't you just as well stay with us?--such a beautiful evening as it's likely to be."
the old gentleman had been talking with godfrey about the increasing poor-rate and the ruinous times, and had not heard the dialogue between his daughters.
