He admired this
fashion in gardening; it had an air of magnificence, was courtly
and noble, and befitting good old family style. The boasted
imitation of Nature in modern gardening had sprung up with modern
republican notions, but did not suit a monarchical government; it
smacked of the leveling system. I could not help smiling at this
introduction of politics into gardening, though I expressed some
apprehension that I should find the old gentleman rather
intolerant in his creed. Frank assured me, however, that it was
almost the only instance in which he had ever heard his father
meddle with politics; and he believed that he had got this notion
from a member of Parliament who once passed a few weeks with him.
The squire was glad of any argument to defend his clipped yew
trees and formal terraces, which had been occasionally attacked
by modern landscape gardeners.
As we approached the house we heard the sound of music, and now
and then a burst of laughter from one end of the building. This,
Bracebridge said, must proceed from the servants' hall, where a
great deal of revelry was permitted, and even encouraged, by the
squire throughout the twelve days of Christmas, provided
everything was done conformably to ancient usage.
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