Old Country Life

Оглавление

Baring-Gould Sabine. Old Country Life

CHAPTER I. OLD COUNTY FAMILIES

CHAPTER II. THE LAST SQUIRE

CHAPTER III. COUNTRY HOUSES

CHAPTER IV. THE OLD GARDEN

CHAPTER V. THE COUNTRY PARSON

CHAPTER VI. THE HUNTING PARSON

CHAPTER VII. COUNTRY DANCES

CHAPTER VIII. OLD ROADS

CHAPTER IX. FAMILY PORTRAITS

CHAPTER X. THE VILLAGE MUSICIAN

CHAPTER XI. THE VILLAGE BARD

CHAPTER XII. OLD SERVANTS

CHAPTER XIII. THE HUNT

CHAPTER XIV. THE COUNTY TOWN

Отрывок из книги

IN a certain wild and picturesque region of the west, which commands a noble prospect of Dartmoor, in a small but antique mansion, which we will call Grimstone, lived for generations a family called Grym. This family rose to consequence after the last heralds' visitation, consequently did not belong to the aboriginal gentry of the county. It produced a chancellor, and an Archbishop of Canterbury.

The family mansion is still standing, with granite mullioned windows and quaint projecting porch, over which is a parvise. A pair of carved stone gate-posts give access to the turf plot in front of the house. The mighty kitchen with three fireplaces shows that the Gryms were a hospitable race, who would on high days feed a large number of guests, and the ample cellars show that they did more than feed them. I cannot recall any library in the house, unless, perhaps, the porch-room were intended for books; if so, it continued to be intended for them only.

.....

Ralph growled and went on, the boy following. Mr. Grym led the way for six miles, and the child became utterly wearied. The father made every effort to shake off the boy. He swore at him, he threatened him, money he had not got to offer him; all was in vain. At last, when the little girl sat down exhausted, and began to cry, the father with an oath left her.

"That," said Henry, in after life, "was the first time I had to do with Ralph Grym, and then I beat him."

.....