The rooms have an atmosphere of failure; but they suit me very well.

I am not always here, you know.

I spend a good deal of my time in the country." "Whereabouts ?" "Sometimes in one direction, sometimes in another; wherever my truant fancy leads me.

I prefer such spots as are most remote from the haunts of men, unknown to cockneys; and so long as there is a river within reach of my lodging, I can make myself tolerably happy with a punt and a fishing-rod, and contrive to forget my cares." "You have not been to Lidford since I left England, I suppose ?" "Yes; I was at Heatherly a week or two in the winter.

Poor old David Forster would not let me alone until I went down to him.