Not a little nettled at this arrogant remark, I told her, I had
the honour to sit in parliament with her father, when he had
little more than half that income; and I believed there was not a
more independent and incorruptible member in the house. 'Ay; but
times are changed (cried the 'squire) -- Country gentlemen now-a-days
live after another fashion. My table alone stands me in a
cool thousand a quarter, though I raise my own stock, import my
own liquors, and have every thing at the first hand. -- True it
is, I keep open house, and receive all corners, for the honour of
Old England.' 'If that be the case (said I), 'tis a wonder you
can maintain it at so small an expence; but every private
gentleman is not expected to keep a caravanserai for the
accommodation of travellers: indeed, if every individual lived in
the same stile, you would not have such a number of guests at
your table, of consequence your hospitality would not shine so
bright for the glory of the West Riding.' The young 'squire,
tickled by this ironical observation, exclaimed, 'O che burla!' --
his mother eyed me in silence with a supercilious air; and the
father of the feast, taking a bumper of October, 'My service to
you, cousin Bramble (said he), I have always heard there was
something keen and biting in the air of the Welch mountains.
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