remain very long brow hill, although long enough thorough survey scene at my feet clear that I had wandered road village, and I had thus good traveller's excuse to open the gate before me, and inquire my way, at all events; so, without more ado, I proceeded

The road, after passing the gate, seemed to lie upon natural ledge, sloping gradually down along the face north-eastern cliffs It led me on foot northern precipice, and thence over the bridge, round eastern gable front door progress, notice that no sight out-houses obtained

As I turned the corner gable, the mastiff bounded towards me in stern silence, but eye whole air of tiger I held him out my hand, however, in token of amity -- and I never yet knew the dog who was proof against such an appeal courtesy He shut his mouth and wagged his tail, but absolutely offered me his paw-afterward extending his civilities to Ponto

As no bell was discernible, I rapped with my stick against the door, which stood half open Instantly figure advanced threshold -- that of young woman about twenty-eight -- slender, or rather slight, and somewhat above the medium height As she approached, with certain modest decision of step altogether indescribable to myself, "Surely here found the perfection of natural, in contradistinction from artificial grace " The second impression which she made on me, but by far the more vivid two, of enthusiasm So intense an expression of romance, perhaps call it, or of unworldliness, which gleamed from her deep-set eyes, had never so sunk into my heart of hearts before not how , but this peculiar expression eye, wreathing itself occasionally lips, most powerful, absolutely the sole spell, which rivets my interest in woman "Romance, provided my readers fully comprehended what here imply word -- "romance" and "womanliness" seem convertible terms: and, after all, what man truly loves in woman, is simply her womanhood The eyes of Annie (I heard some one interior call her "Annie, darling ! ") were "spiritual grey;" her hair, light chestnut: all I had time to observe of her

At her most courteous of invitations, I entered -- passing first into tolerably wide vestibule Having come mainly to observe, notice that to my right as I stepped in, was window, such in front house; left, door leading principal room; while, opposite me, an open door enabled me small apartment, just the size vestibule, arranged as study, and having large bow window looking out north

Passing parlor, myself with Mr Landor -- , I afterwards found, was his name civil, even cordial manner, but just then, more intent on observing the arrangements dwelling which had interested me, personal appearance tenant

The north wing, I now saw, was bed-chamber, its door opened parlor West door was single window, looking toward the brook west end parlor, were fireplace, and door leading west wing -- probably kitchen

Nothing more rigorously simple furniture parlor floor was an ingrain carpet, of excellent texture -- white ground, spotted with small circular green figures windows were curtains of snowy white jaconet muslin: they were tolerably full, and hung decisively, perhaps rather formally in sharp, parallel plaits floor -- just floor The walls were prepared with French paper of great delicacy, silver ground, with faint green cord running zig-zag throughout Its expanse was relieved merely by three of Julien's exquisite lithographs trois crayons, fastened wall without frames drawings was scene of Oriental luxury, or rather voluptuousness; another was "carnival piece," spirited beyond compare; the third was Greek female head -- face so divinely beautiful, and yet of an expression so provokingly indeterminate, never before arrested my attention

The more substantial furniture consisted of round table, few chairs (including large rocking-chair), and sofa, or rather "settee;" its material was plain maple painted creamy white, slightly interstriped with green; the seat of cane The chairs and table were "to match," but the forms of all had evidently been designed same brain which planned "the grounds;" impossible to conceive anything more graceful

table were few books, large, square, crystal bottle of some novel perfume, plain ground -- glass astral (not solar) lamp with an Italian shade, and large vase of resplendently-blooming flowers Flowers, indeed, of gorgeous colours and delicate odour formed the sole mere decoration apartment The fire-place was nearly filled with vase of brilliant geranium On triangular shelf in each angle room stood also similar vase, varied only its lovely contents smaller bouquets adorned the mantel, and late violets clustered open windows

the purpose work more than give in detail, picture of Mr Landor's residence -- as it How it what -- and why -- with some particulars of Mr Landor himself -- may, possibly form the subject of another article