again; and I agreed to be at Worth-Ashton (Milverton's house) on the
day of his arrival. I had scarcely seated myself at our usual place
of meeting before the friends entered, and after greeting me, the
conversation thus began:

Ellesmere. Upon my word, you people who live in the country have a
pleasant time of it. As Milverton was driving me from the station
through Durley Wood, there was such a rich smell of pines, such a
twittering of birds, so much joy, sunshine, and beauty, that I began
to think, if there were no such place as London, it really would be
very desirable to live in the country.

Milverton. What a climax! But I am always very suspicious, when
Ellesmere appears to be carried away by any enthusiasm, that it will
break off suddenly, like the gallop of a post-horse.

Dunsford. Well, what are we to have for our essay!

Milverton. Despair.

Ellesmere. I feel equal to anything just now, and so, if it must be
read sometime or other, let us have it now.

Milverton. You need not be afraid. I want to take away, not to add
gloom. Shall I read?

We assented, and he began.


DESPAIR.