That plan of abolishing it had to be thought of and was seriously discussed about ten years since; but then it was decided that such a proceeding would altogether alter the character of the house, would destroy the gardens, and would create a waste of mud all round the place which it would take years to beautify, or even to make endurable.

And then an important question had been asked by an intelligent farmer who had long been a tenant on the property; 'Fill un oop;--eh, eh; sooner said than doone, squoire.

Where be the stoof to come from ?' The squire, therefore, had given up that idea, and instead of abolishing his moat had made it prettier than ever.

The high road from Bungay to Beccles ran close to the house,--so close that the gable ends of the building were separated from it only by the breadth of the moat.

A short, private road, not above a hundred yards in length, led to the bridge which faced the front door.