3-034-844 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

For the Squire's Hall, drawn by E. N. Downard, 1871. Illustration to "The Ancestral Portrait", a short story by John Latey. '"For the Squire's hall, Sir!" Such was the answer made to young Mr. Horton, who, on a morning shortly before Christmas Day, was taking a near cut to Bassett Hall, and who, in passing the farm-bailiff, inquired of him the destination of some laurel and holly which...he had been gathering, assisted by his wife and children. "The young ladies are busy at it," pursued the bailiff, "decorating the portrait of a gentleman - one of the olden time - a very noble chap by all accounts, but with an uncommonly stiff frill, that seems meant for a sort of purgatory. Thank you, I am sure, Sir." This ejaculation was called forth by the transfer of something from the young gentleman's purse to the bailiff's hand, accompanied with the wish of "A merry Christmas." "Thank you, Sir; the same to you and to the young ladies at the hall!" This was shouted after the stalwart youth, who was striding away in hot haste. Then he resumed, in a lower key, for his young wife's information, "Master Horton has got his seven-league boots on. Though hot-tempered at times, he is of the right sort, and comes of a good old stock".' From "Illustrated London News", 1871.