The immediate boundaries of the plain on
either side are chiefly woods; above the crest of which in one
direction expands the brown bosom of a moor. The few cottages
which are sprinkled about this scene being built of stone, and
on an ample scale, contribute to the idea of comfort and
plenty which, with a serene sky and on a soft summer day, the
traveller willingly associates with it.
Such was the sky and season in which Egremont emerged on this
scene a few days after the incidents recorded in our last
chapter. He had been fishing in the park of Mowbray, and had
followed the rivulet through many windings until, quitting the
enclosed domain it had forced its way through some craggy
underwood at the bottom of the hilly moors we have noticed,
and finally entering the plain, lost itself in the waters of
the greater stream.
Good sport had not awaited Egremont. Truth to say, his rod
had played in a very careless hand. He had taken it, though
an adept in the craft when in the mood, rather as an excuse to
be alone, than a means to be amused. There are seasons in
life when solitude is a necessity; and such a one had now
descended on the spirit of the brother of Lord Marney.
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