‘Nor I,’ said the jockey, ’for everyday drinking give me a glass of old port, or—­’

‘Of hard old ale,’ I interposed, ’which, according to my mind, is better than all the wine in the world.’

‘Well said, Romany Rye,’ said the jockey, ’just my own opinion; now, William, make yourself scarce.’

* * * * *

Leaving the bridge, I ascended a gentle acclivity, and presently reached what appeared to be a tract of moory undulating ground.  It was now tolerably light, but there was a mist or haze abroad which prevented my seeing objects with much precision.  I felt chill in the damp air of the early morn, and walked rapidly forward.  In about half an hour I arrived where the road divided into two at an angle or tongue of dark green sward.  ‘To the right or the left?’ said I, and forthwith took, without knowing why, the left-hand road, along which I proceeded about a hundred yards, when, in the midst of the tongue of sward formed by the two roads, collaterally with myself, I perceived what I at first conceived to be a small grove of blighted trunks of oaks, barked and grey.  I stood still for a moment, and then, turning off the road, advanced slowly towards it over the sward; as I drew nearer, I perceived that the objects which had attracted my curiosity, and which formed a kind of circle, were not trees, but immense upright stones.  A thrill pervaded my system; just before me were two, the mightiest of the whole, tall as the stems of proud oaks, supporting on their tops a huge transverse stone, and forming a wonderful doorway.  I knew now where I was, and, laying down my stick and bundle, and taking off my hat, I advanced slowly, and cast myself—­it was folly, perhaps, but I could not help what I did—­cast myself, with my face on the dewy earth, in the middle of the portal of giants, beneath the transverse stone.  The spirit of Stonehenge was strong upon me!

* * * * *

I went to Belle’s habitation, and informed her that Mr. and Mrs. Petulengro had paid us a visit of ceremony, and were awaiting her at the fire-place.  ‘Pray go and tell them that I am busy,’ said Belle, who was engaged with her needle.  ’I do not feel disposed to take part in any such nonsense.’  ‘I shall do no such thing,’ said I; ’and I insist upon your coming forthwith, and showing proper courtesy to your visitors.  If you do not, their feelings will be hurt, and you are aware that I cannot bear that people’s feelings should be outraged.  Come this moment, or—­’ ‘Or what?’ said Belle, half smiling.  ’I was about to say something in Armenian,’ said I.  ‘Well,’ said Belle, laying down her work, ’I will come.’  ‘Stay,’ said I, ’your hair is hanging about your ears, and your dress is in disorder; you had better stay a minute or two to prepare yourself to appear before your visitors, who have come in their very best attire.’  ‘No,’ said Belle, ’I will make no alteration in my appearance; you told me to come this