onsiderable level space intervening between two of the
picturesque hills, which rose dimly around the lake.

This little plain was chiefly occupied by the same low, wild wood which
covered the other parts of the domain; but towards the centre a mass
of taller and statelier forest trees stood darkly grouped together,
and among them stood an ancient square tower, with many buildings of a
humbler character, forming together the manorhouse, or, as it was more
usually called, the Court of Cahergillagh.

As we approached the level upon which the mansion stood, the winding
road gave us many glimpses of the time-worn castle and its surrounding
buildings; and seen as it was through the long vistas of the fine old
trees, and with the rich glow of evening upon it, I have seldom beheld
an object more picturesquely striking.

I was glad to perceive, too, that here and there the blue curling smoke
ascended from stacks of chimneys now hidden by the rich, dark ivy which,
in a great measure, covered the building. Other indications of comfort
made themselves manifest as we approached; and indeed, though the place
was evidently one of considerable antiquity, it had nothing whatever of
the gloom of decay about it.

'You must not, my love,' said Lord Glenfallen, 'imagine this place worse
than it is. I have no taste for antiquity--at least I should not choose
a house to reside in because it is old. Indeed I do not recollect that I
was even so romantic as to overcome my aversion to rats and rheumatism,
those faithful attendants upon your noble relics of feudalism; and
I much prefer a snug, modern, unmysterious bedroom, with well-aired
sheets, to the waving tapestry, mildewed cushions, and all the other
interesting appliances of romance. However, though I cannot promise you
all the discomfort generally belonging to an old castle, you will find
legends and ghostly lore enough to claim your respect; and if old
Martha be still to the fore, as I trust she is, you will soon have a
supernatural and appropriate anecdote for every closet and corner of
the mansion; but here we are--so, without more ado, welcome to
Cahergillagh!'

We now entered the hall of the castle, and while the domestics were
employed in conveying our trunks and other luggage which we had brought
with us for immediate use to the apartments which Lord Glenfallen
had selected for himself and me, I went with him into a spacious
sitting-room, wainscoted with finely polished black