Sir Charles, flattered by the homage paid to his beloved, made himself younger and less fastidious to indulge her; and the happy pair often drove twelve miles to dinner, and twenty to dine and sleep--an excellent custom in that country, one of whose favorite toasts is worth recording: "MAY YOU DINE WHERE YOU PLEASE, AND SLEEP WHERE YOU DINE." They were at every ball, and gave one or two themselves.
Above all, they enjoyed society in that delightful form which is confined to large houses.

They would have numerous and well-assorted visitors staying at the house for a week or so, and all dining at a huge round table.

But two o'clock P.M.was the time to see how hosts and guests enjoyed themselves.

The hall door of Huntercombe was approached by a flight of stone steps, easy of ascent, and about twenty-four feet wide.

At the riding hour the county ladies used to come, one after another, holding up their riding-habits with one hand, and perch about this gigantic flight of steps like peacocks, and chatter like jays, while the servants walked their horses about the gravel esplanade, and the four-in-hand waited a little in the rear.