This was at once agreed to, and we proceeded thither, John walking on in front with Constance and Mrs.Temple, and I following with Mr.Gaskell.

My companion explained that these gardens were esteemed the most beautiful in the University, but that under ordinary circumstances it was not permitted to strangers to walk there of an evening.

Here he quoted some Latin about "aurum per medios ire satellites," which I smilingly made as if I understood, and did indeed gather from it that John had bribed the porter to admit us.

It was a warm and very still night, without a moon, but with enough of fading light to show the outlines of the garden front.

This long low line of buildings built in Charles I's reign looked so exquisitely beautiful that I shall never forget it, though I have not since seen its oriel windows and creeper-covered walls.