A Mason's Story.

His destination for the present was a small , old-fashioned town in Surrey . I dare say many of my readers will recognize it as the place where the bold barons drew np the all-important great charter . He arrived in London earl y in the morning , and drove at once to Charing Cross Station , taking his seat in the next train for his future home . Leaving word with the solitary porter

at the local railway station that if Lord Anglesea ' s carriage should come for him , he would be found at the " Swan " hotel , he took his way thither , and soon found himself discussing a hearty breakfast , while he perused the Times . Presently he walked up the quaint High Street of the town , and noticed with some surprise the raised parapets , the quaint tiled roofs , and gabled houses so different to what he had been accustomed to in the north . He made one or

two purchases in a shop , and returned to his hotel in a state of amusement at the chronic , ill-tempered , fat old duchess who had served him . As no one had called for him , it occurred to his mind that the best thing he could do would be to write to Puddleton , and let the home circle know of his arrival . An hour or two passed away in this agreeable and inspiriting exercise , when , he having stamped his letters and taken them across to the post office , his future employer was announced .

Penrhyn scanned him pretty closely as he came into the room . One of the most remarkable traits of his character was his utter nonchalance . I do not remember ever having seen him flurried or lose his presence of mind . " Not a very formidable looking- man " was his mental comment on his visitor . Lord Anglesea advanced towards him . "Mr . Falconer , I presume . " Penrhyn bowed . " I trust you are not fatigued after your journey , " said his lordship ,

as he took Penrhyn ' s hand kindly . " Thank you—no , my lord , " replied Penrhyn ; " I have breakfasted heartil y , and have spent my time in looking over the grounds of the castle ; at least , I suppose it to have been such from the appearance it presents . " " I believe that an ancient castle stood on the hill in medieval times , " replied his lordship , " and a subteranean passage existed from thence to the

queer looking building yon see before you . That is now our town hall . A few hundred years since it was an ancient chapel . To what base uses may we not descend ! But time presses , and if you have not got anything to stay here for , my servant will proceed to the station for your luggage , and then we will drive home . But pray do not let me hurry you . " Penrh expressed his readiness to depart at timeand for the

yn any , rang waiter , that he might pay his bill . This Lord Anglesea would by no means hear of , and insisted on liquidating it himself . Presentl y the carriage was announced , and , entering it , they drove homeward , Lord Anglesea taking the reins . Penrhyn thought the streets they drove through the prettiest he had ever seen . On each side grew stately pollard elms , which were just beginning to put forth one or two leaves . It is lovel

a y place in summer , this quaint old market town , and Penrhyn wished he could only see it at that season . However , he consoled himself with the reflection that other new scenery would ere long open upon his enraptured vision . _ After a drive across a picturesque heath , dotted here and there with windmills , and whitewashed cottages nestling amid clumps of fir trees , they emerged out on a smooth piece of road , from whence they obtained a deli ghtful view of Box Hill and Leith Hill . Penrhyn gazed enraptured at the view thus opened up to him , and , turning to his lordship , said ,

Macaulay was not wrong , my lord , when he spoke of ' Surrey ' s pleasant hills . ' Our northern hills are grand and sublime , but there is much of terrible majest y in them ; while here we see a quiet , pastoral beauty , grand in Itself , yet lovely . " " Yes , " said his lordshi p , " we in Surrey have much reason to be proud , of our hills and our beautiful valleys , but at the same time , you must remember that we lack the sylvan pleasures of the lakes to which you have been accus-2 n 2