We had a charming prospect from the window, at breakfast. A gutter tearing its riotous way down the street, supplied by a whole night's rain, and clouds resting with the most resolute countenances on the whole face of the land. At the post-office--that universal focus of information--to which we wended in one of the intervals between the showers, we were told of admirable lodgings. On going to see them, they consisted of two little rooms, in a narrow lane. Then we were sent to another quarter, and found the accommodation still more inadequate; and, at last, were inconceivably cheered, by hearing of a pretty cottage--just the thing--only left a short time ago by Captain somebody; five bed-rooms, two parlours, large garden; if it had been planned by our own architect, it could not have been better. Off we hurried to the owner of this bijou. The worthy captain, on giving up his lease, had sold his furniture; but we were very welcome to it as tenant for a year! "Are there no furnished houses in this neighbourhood, at all?" "No--e'es--may be you'll get in at the shippus,"--which, being Anglicized, is sheep-house; and away we toddled a mile and a half to the shippus--a nice old farm-house, with some pretensions to squiredom, and the inhabitants kind and civil as heart could wish. "Yes, they sometimes let their rooms--to families larger than ours--they supplied them with every thing--waited on them--_did_ for them--and, as for the children, there wasn't such a place in the county for nice fields to play in." We looked round the room--a good high ceiling, large window. "This is just the thing--and I am delighted we were told of your house." "It would have been very delightful, but--but we are full already, and we expect some of our own family home." And why didn't you tell us all this before?--we _nearly_ said--and to this hour, we can't understand why there was such a profuse explanation of comforts--which _we_ were never destined to partake of. "But just across the road there is a very nice cottage, where you can get lodged--and we can supply you with milk, and any thing else you want."