CHAPTER XV .-- Objects of an English Traveller.
-- Introduction of a New Character--Correspondence between Evory Easel, Esq., and Sam Spinageberd, Esq .-- Susanna and the Elder; or, the Conventicle in Trouble--Phils Gallantry and Courage.
It was about eleven o'clock the next day that a person in the garb of a gentleman, that is, the garb was a plain one enough, but the air of the person who wore it was evidently that of a man who had seen and mingled in respectable life, was travelling towards Springfield, the residence of Mr.Hickman, when he overtook two females, one of whom was dressed in such a way as made it clear that she wished to avoid the risk of being known.

She was a little above the middle size, and there could be little doubt, from the outline of her figure, that, in the opinion of unsuspicious people, she had reached the dignity of a matron.

Her companion was dressed in faded black, from top to toe, and from the expression of her thin, sallow face, and piercing black eyes, there could be little doubt she had seen a good deal of the world as it exists in rustic life.

The person who overtook these two females carried a portfolio, and appeared to observe the country and its scenery, as he went along with well marked attention.
"Pray, ma'am," said he, "whose is that fine old building to the right, which appears to be going to ruin?
It is evidently not inhabited." "You're a stranger in the place, then," replied the female, "or you surely might know Castle Cumber House, where old Tom Topertoe used to live before the union came.

He was made a lord of for sellin' our parliament, and now his son, the present lord, is leadin' a blessed life abroad, for he never shows his face here." "He is an absentee, then ?" "To be sure he is, and so is every man of them now, barrin' an odd one.