Jeffery Farnol

“ And, as they went, slow-footed through the deepening twilight, Small Porges directed Bellew's attention to certain nooks and corners that might be well calculated to conceal the fortune they were to find; while Anthea pointed out to him the beauties of shady wood, of rolling meadow, and winding stream. ”

“ In England many such houses are yet to be found, monuments of the “Bad Old Times”—memorials of the “Dark Ages”—when lath and stucco existed not, and the “Jerry-builder” had no being. But where, among them all, might be found such another parlour as this at Dapplemere, with its low, raftered ceiling, its great, carved mantel, its panelled walls whence old portraits looked down at one like dream faces, from dim, and nebulous backgrounds. ”

“ You see, I am off in the fields all day, as a rule; a farm,—even such a small one as Dapplemere, is a great responsibility, and takes up all one’s time—if it is to be made to pay—”
“An’ sometimes it doesn’t pay at all, you know!” added Small Porges, “an’ then Auntie Anthea worries, an’ I worry too. Farming isn’t what it was in Adam’s young days,—so that’s why I must find a fortune—early to morrow morning, you know,—so my Auntie won’t have to worry any more—”
Now when he had got thus far, Anthea leaned over, and, taking him by surprise, kissed Small Porges suddenly. ”