From this spot a road, more resembling the drive through a park than a public thoroughfare, led him gradually to the brow of Dollis Hill.

It was a serene and charming evening, and twilight was gently stealing over the face of the country.

Bordered by fine timber, the road occasionally offered glimpses of a lovely valley, until a wider opening gave a full view of a delightful and varied prospect.

On the left lay the heights of Hampstead, studded with villas, while farther off a hazy cloud marked the position of the metropolis.

The stranger concluded he could not be far from his destination, and a turn in the road showed him the house.
Beneath two tall elms, whose boughs completely overshadowed the roof, stood Mr.Wood's dwelling,--a plain, substantial, commodious farm-house.
On a bench at the foot of the trees, with a pipe in his mouth, and a tankard by his side, sat the worthy carpenter, looking the picture of good-heartedness and benevolence.