the sweet, thick cream poured in by a liberal hand?  A fine ham had already been put on the table, as if by magic—­the girls really seemed to anticipate everything you could possibly want.  As for the butter, it was exquisite, and so, too, the home-baked bread, the more so, because only touched in the processes of preparing by the whitest and softest of hands.  Such simple things become luxuries when brought to perfection by loving care.  The old dog on the hearthrug came thrusting his nose into your hands, making almost too great friends, being perfectly well aware (cunning old fellow) that he could coax more out of a visitor than one of the family, who knew how he had stuffed all day.

Over all there was an atmosphere of welcome, a genial brightness.  The young men were anxious to tell you where the best sport could be got.  The young ladies had a merry, genuine, unaffected smile—­clearly delighted to see you, and not in the least ashamed of it.  They showed an evident desire to please, without a trace of an arriere pensee.  Tall, well-developed, in the height of good health, the bloom upon the cheek and the brilliant eyes formed a picture irresistibly charming.  But it was the merry laugh that so long dwelt in the memory—­nothing so thoroughly enchants one as the woman who laughs from her heart in the joyousness of youth.  They joined freely in the conversation, but did not thrust themselves forward.  They were, of course, eager for news of the far away world, but not a hint was breathed of those social scandals which now form our favourite gossip.  From little side remarks concerning domestic matters it was evident that they were well acquainted with household duties.  Indeed, they assisted to remove the things from the table without any consciousness that it was a menial task.

It was not long after tea before, drawing round the fire, pipes were produced, and you were asked to smoke.  Of course you declined on account of the ladies, but it was none the less pleasant to be asked.  There was the great secret of it all-the genuine, liberal, open-handed and open-hearted proffering of all the house contained to the guest.  And it was none the less an amusing conversation because each of the girls candidly avowed her own opinions upon such topics as were started—­blushing a little, it is true, if you asked the reason for the opinion, for ladies are not always quite ready with the why and wherefore.  But the contrast of character, the individuality displayed, gave a zest and interest to the talk; so that the hour wore late before you were aware of it.  Then, if you would go, two, at least, of the three boys piloted you by the best and cleanest route, and did not wish you farewell till you were in the straight road.  This was not so many years ago.