had little charm of situation or feature, but Dyce, on his way to a
hotel, looked about him with lively interest, and persuaded himself
that the main streets had a brisk progressive air; he imagined
Liberalism in many faces, and noted cheerfully the publishing office
of a Liberal newspaper. If his interview with Lady Ogram proved
encouraging, he would stay here over the next day, and give himself
time to make acquaintance with the borough.

At his hotel, he made inquiry about the way to Rivenoak, a name
respectfully received. Lady Ogram's estate was distant some two
miles and a half from the edge of the town; it lay hard by the
village of Shawe, which was on the highroad to--places wherewith
Dyce had no concern. Thus informed, he ordered his luncheon, and
requested that a fly might be ready at three o'clock to convey him
to Rivenoak. When that hour arrived, he had studied the local
directory, carefully looked over the town and county newspapers, and
held a little talk with his landlord, who happened to be a political
malcontent, cautiously critical of Mr. Robb. Dyce accepted the fact
as of good augury. It was long since he had felt so lighthearted and
sanguine.

Through an unpleasant quarter, devoted to manufactures, his vehicle
bore him out of Hollingford, and then along a flat, uninteresting
road, whence at moments he had glimpses of the river Holling, as it
flowed between level fields. Presently the country became more
agreeable; on one hand it rose gently to wooded slopes, on the other
opened a prospect over a breezy common, yellow with gorse. At the
village named Shawe, the river was crossed by a fine old bridge,
which harmonised well with grey cottages and an ancient low-towered
church; but the charm of all this had been lamentably injured by the