The land, as a rule, was poor and shallow, and nourished more grouse than partridges; but here and there valleys of soft shelter and fair soil relieved the eye and comforted the pocket of the owner.

These little bits of Goshen formed the heart of every farm; though oftentimes the homestead was, as if by some perversity, set up in bleak and barren spots, outside of comfort's elbow.
The ladies marched on, without much heed of any other point than one--would the barley crop do well?
They had many tenants who trusted chiefly to that, and to the rough hill oats, and wool, to make up in coin what part of their rent they were not allowed to pay in kind.
For as yet machinery and reeking factories had not besmirched the country-side.
"How much further do you mean to go, Philippa ?" asked Mrs.Carnaby, although she was not travelling by virtue of her own legs.

"For my part, I think we have gone too far already." "Your ambition is always to turn back.

You may turn back now if you like.

I shall go on." Miss Yordas knew that her sister would fail of the courage to ride home all alone.
Mrs.Carnaby never would ride without Jordas or some other serving-man behind her, as was right and usual for a lady of her position; but "Lady Philippa" was of bolder strain, and cared for nobody's thoughts, words, or deeds.