"I shall do no such thing," rejoined Frank, "as no words I can employ would do justice to our honest entertainer, who is without exception the happiest and merriest little fellow I ever met with, possessing a countenance full of mirth and good-humour, and a heart overflowing with benevolence--a downright hearty good fellow, a thorough trump--a regular brick, and no mistake at all about the matter, as our little friend, Major Rodd, would say. And I say, Vernon, you've no idea what a delightful evening I spent after I'd tuck'd you in for the night. I never in my life met so entertaining a man before--a mere glimpse of his good-natured face is sufficient to drive away a very legion of blue-devils, although, by the by, those are fiends that never haunt me; and then we had a famous spread by way of supper--jugged hare--a woodcock--the first I've yet seen for the season--and lots of snipes." "All of which, I dare say, you did ample justice to," interposed Mr Vernon Wycherley. "More than justice, friend Vernon--more than justice; for I ate the best portion of the woodcock, in addition to a fair allowance of the jugged hare I'd taken before--and then finished off with the snipes--the whole being accompanied with some excellent home-brewed ale." "Well, enough about the supper; but tell me, was there nobody but yourself and the squire to partake of it?" "Oh yes! the doctor staid to supper, but was obliged to start and visit a patient who had sent for him, which compelled him to commence a five miles' ride ere he had well time to finish his meal." "You saw no ladies, then?" "Yes, but I did though--that is, I saw the lady of the house; and much as I liked master, I don't know but I liked mistress more--such a dear, kind-hearted creature--and so good-looking, Vernon--one of the sort that would never look old, or grow ugly, even if she lived to the age of Methusalem. And her fondness for her old man is quite delightful--none of your my-dearing or my-loving nonsense, or anxiety about every thing he likes to eat and drink disagreeing with him; but good, downright, honest, hearty affection, which was beautifully displayed in the happy smile with which she regarded the old fellow, and witnessed how truly he seemed to be enjoying himself. That's what I'd recommend all wives to do who wish to preserve their good looks. A woman's beauty depends so much upon expression, that if that's spoilt, farewell to all her charms, and which nothing tends more to bring about than a countenance soured with imaginary cares, instead of lighted up with thankfulness for innumerable blessings--that's what makes half the women wither away into wrinkles so early in life; whilst nothing renders their beauty so lasting as that placid look of pure benevolence, which emanates from a heart full of thankfulness to God--affection for those nearest and dearest to them, and good-will towards all mankind."