Yet he would not let me go; and presently he confirmed my suspicion, no less than my first impression of his delightful frankness and cordiality, by candidly telling me what was on his mind.
"If you really want a cottage in the country," said he, "and the most absolute peace and quiet to be got in this world, I know of the very thing on my land in Lancashire.

It would drive me mad in a week; but if you really care for that sort of thing--" "An occupied cottage ?" I interrupted.
"Yes; a couple rent it from me, very decent people of the name of Braithwaite.

The man is out all day, and won't bother you when he's in; he's not like other people, poor chap.

But the woman 's all there, and would do her best for you in a humble, simple, wholesome sort of way." "You think they would take me in ?" "They have taken other men--artists as a rule." "Then it's a picturesque country ?" "Oh, it's that if it's nothing else; but not a town for miles, mind you, and hardly a village worthy the name." "Any fishing ?" "Yes--trout--small but plenty of 'em--in a beck running close behind the cottage." "Come," cried I, "this sounds delightful! Shall you be up there ?" "Only for a day or two," was the reply.

"I shan't trouble you, Mr.
Cole." "My dear sir, that wasn't my meaning at all.