At a manor not far away there lived a queer and primitive couple who had lately been blessed with a son and heir.

The christening took place during the week under notice, and this had been followed by a feast to the parishioners.

Christine's father, one of the same generation and kind, had been asked to drive over and assist in the entertainment, and Christine, as a matter of course, accompanied him.
When they reached Athelhall, as the house was called, they found the usually quiet nook a lively spectacle.

Tables had been spread in the apartment which lent its name to the whole building--the hall proper--covered with a fine open-timbered roof, whose braces, purlins, and rafters made a brown thicket of oak overhead.

Here tenantry of all ages sat with their wives and families, and the servants were assisted in their ministrations by the sons and daughters of the owner's friends and neighbours.