Such are the inns which I have known, and there are hundreds in beautiful England like them.  On its rivers in particular there are many charming little inns, but, to say truth, although the gentlemen-fishermen are as quiet as mice (from their habits of caution in their calling), the disciples of the oar are noisy; they get up too early and go to bed too late, and are too much addicted to melody.  Moreover, these houses of entertainment often carry the principle of home production to excess:  their native fare is excellent; but, spring mattresses not growing in the neighbourhood, the stuffing of the beds is supplied, to judge by results, from the turnip-field.  For the purpose for which they are intended, however, these little hostels are well fitted and have a river charm that is indescribable.

I could speak, too, of excellent hotels set in the grounds of ruined castles or abbeys; but the attractions of the latter interfere with the repose of the visitor.  Moreover, it has been my chief object, while admitting the merits of the Crown (and) Imperial, to paint the lily—­to point out the violet half hid from the eye.  It seems to me a pity that so many persons should leave their native land and spend their money among foreigners through ignorance of the quiet resting-places that await them at home.  I have in no way exaggerated their merits, but it must be confessed that they have one serious drawback, which, however, only affects bachelors; if Paterfamilias is troubled by it he ought to be ashamed of himself.  I allude to the happy couples on their honeymoon whom one is wont to meet with in these retired bowers.  It is aggravating, no doubt, to see how Angelina and Edwin devote themselves to one another without the slightest regard for the feelings of the solitary stranger.  The poor creature has no wish, of course, to thrust his company upon them, still he would like to have his existence acknowledged; and they ignore it.  They have not a word to throw to him, nor even a glance.  Then there are certain endearments, delightful, no doubt, to those who exchange them, but which to the spectator are distraction.  What I would recommend to the bachelor as a remedy is a wife of his own.  The good Mussulman’s idea of future happiness is a perpetual honeymoon; and these little Paradises are the very places to spend it in.  The customs of our own country forbid the agreeable variety which has such charms for the Faithful; but, even as it is, I have seen in these pleasant inns a great deal of human happiness, such as to the sober lover of his species only adds to their attraction.

MAID-SERVANTS.