There were more wet mornings than one; and as the Miss Featherstones had succeeded so well once in lecturing on architecture, they repeated the experiment. It was rather wearying, but it was better than nothing. On the morning of which we speak, old John Martindale was present. Contrary to his usual practice, the old gentleman made his appearance soon after breakfast, to congratulate them, as he said, on a fine wet morning. It appeared as if his object was to see what the party would do to amuse themselves and one another. The Miss Featherstones had recourse to their portfolio of plans and drawings, and sections, and elevations; and these they spread out on the table, in order to excite admiration, and to prompt discussion. Old Mr. Martindale was so perverse that he would not take any notice of the display; and the rest of the company had already, on a previous occasion, said all that they had to say. Isabella, the youngest of the Miss Featherstones, prided herself on her very superior wisdom, and therefore was very much disconcerted that any one should slightingly regard her favorite study; and especially was she disturbed that Mr. Martindale, who clearly had so great a taste or fancy for that pursuit, should behold unmoved, and without the least affectation of interest, a splendid display of architectural drawings, and give no heed to the very philosophical remarks which, in her wisdom, she was making on the various styles of building. Determining, therefore, to compel the attention which she could not attract, she addressed herself directly to the old gentleman, asking his opinion of a design which she had drawn for the improvement of Hovenden Lodge. The answer which the old gentleman gave was so very uncourteous, that we almost blush to repeat it. Looking very sarcastically at the inquirer, he said: “Hovenden Lodge, madam, is not yet quite spoiled by the improvements; but if you take a little more pains, I think you may make it one of the most ridiculous buildings in the kingdom.” In justice to Mr. Martindale, we are bound to state that he would not have made such an observation to every one; but he knew Miss Isabella, and was sure that no very serious effects would follow from any severity of remark which he might make. And the result was as he had anticipated: for the young lady was not a whit abashed, but the rather encouraged to proceed, and to reply according to the spirit of the old gentleman’s remark. “I think I shall endeavour to persuade papa to build a gothic front to Hovenden Lodge, in imitation of Brigland Abbey; and then, Mr. Martindale, I suppose you will acknowledge that it is really improved.” “And then, Miss Isabella, I will pull down the front of Brigland Abbey, and supply its place by an exact imitation of the present front of Hovenden Lodge; and then it will be a difficult matter to decide which is the greatest blockhead, Sir Andrew Featherstone or old John Martindale.”