ding timber. The site of the
village was, however, pointed out by the square tower of the antique
church, that crested the summit of the adjoining hill; and although the
hall was entirely hidden from view, Luke readily traced out its locality
amidst the depths of the dark grove in which it was embosomed.

This goodly prospect had other claims to attention in Luke's eyes
besides its agricultural or pictorial merit. It was, or he deemed it
was, his own. Far as his eye ranged, yea, even beyond the line of
vision, the estates of Rookwood extended.

"Do you see that house below us in the valley?" asked Peter of his
companion.

"I do," replied Luke; "a snug old house--a model of a farm. Everything
looks comfortable and well to do about it. There are a dozen lusty
haystacks, or thereabouts; and the great barn, with its roof yellowed
like gold, looks built for a granary; and there are stables,
kine-houses, orchards, dovecots, and fishponds, and an old circular
garden, with wall-fruit in abundance. He should be a happy man, and a
wealthy one, who dwells therein."

"He dwells therein no longer," returned Peter; "he died last night."

"How know you that? None are stirring in the house as yet."

"The owner of that house, Simon Toft," replied Peter, "was last night
struck by a thunderbolt. He was one of the coffin-bearers at your
father's funeral. They are sleeping within the house, you say. 'Tis
well. Let them sleep on--they will awaken too soon, wake when they
may--ha, ha!"

"Peace!" cried Luke; "you blight everything--even this smiling landscape
you would turn to gloom. Does not this morn awaken a happier train of
thoughts within your mind? With me it makes amends for want of sleep,
effaces resentment, and banishes every black misgiving. 'Tis a joyous
thing thus to scour the country at earliest dawn; to catch all the
spirit and freshness of the morning; to be abroad before the lazy world
is half awake; to make the most of a brief existence; and to have spent
a day of keen enjoyment, almost before the day begins with some. I like
to anticipate the rising of the glorious luminary; to watch every line
of light changing, as at this moment, from shuddering gray to blushing
rose! See how the heavens are dyed! Who would exchange yon gorgeous
spectacle," continued he, pointing towards the east, and again urging
his horse to full speed down the hill, endangering the sexton's seat,
and threatening to impale him upon the crupper of