13.07.2015 Views

KENILWORTH - Penn State University

KENILWORTH - Penn State University

KENILWORTH - Penn State University

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

KenilworthYou, sir, unless my memory fails me (for I did steep it somewhattoo deeply in the sack-butt), took some share in myhazard?”“I propose to accompany you in your adventure,” saidTressilian, “if you will do me so much grace as to permit me;and I have staked my share of the forfeit in the hands of ourworthy host.”“That he hath,” answered Giles Gosling, “in as fair Harrynoblesas ever were melted into sack by a good fellow. So,luck to your enterprise, since you will needs venture on TonyFoster; but, by my credit, you had better take another draughtbefore you depart, for your welcome at the Hall yonder willbe somewhat of the driest. And if you do get into peril, bewareof taking to cold steel; but send for me, Giles Gosling,the head-borough, and I may be able to make something outof Tony yet, for as proud as he is.”The nephew dutifully obeyed his uncle’s hint, by taking asecond powerful pull at the tankard, observing that his witnever served him so well as when he had washed his templeswith a deep morning’s draught; and they set forth togetherfor the habitation of Anthony Foster.The village of Cumnor is pleasantly built on a hill, and in awooded park closely adjacent was situated the ancient mansionoccupied at this time by Anthony Foster, of which theruins may be still extant. The park was then full of large trees,and in particular of ancient and mighty oaks, which stretchedtheir giant arms over the high wall surrounding the demesne,thus giving it a melancholy, secluded, and monastic appearance.The entrance to the park lay through an old-fashionedgateway in the outer wall, the door of which was formed oftwo huge oaken leaves thickly studded with nails, like thegate of an old town.“We shall be finely helped up here,” said MichaelLambourne, looking at the gateway and gate, “if this fellow’ssuspicious humour should refuse us admission altogether, asit is like he may, in case this linsey-wolsey fellow of a mercer’svisit to his premises has disquieted him. But, no,” he added,pushing the huge gate, which gave way, “the door stands invitinglyopen; and here we are within the forbidden ground,without other impediment than the passive resistance of aheavy oak door moving on rusty hinges.”They stood now in an avenue overshadowed by such old34

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!