Page:Cuthbert Bede--Little Mr Bouncer and Tales of College Life.djvu/171

Rh salutary influence on the afflicted inmates of the institution, whose unvarying demeanour on such occasions is a sufficient evidence of the beneficial results that have been accomplished in laying aside the terrors of chains, and whips, and darkened cells, for cheerful rooms, kind words, and humane treatment. The patients always seem glad for lady and gentleman friends to join their pic-nics, and I think you would be pleased to go with us on Tuesday. It will be a novelty for you, if nothing more."

As Mr. Bouncer had promised to stay at the Woodlands beyond the day mentioned, he, together with his host and friend, accepted Dr. Dustacre's invitation; and, when the Tuesday came, they drove over to the spot appointed for the rendezvous.

Firs Hill—or, as it was sometimes written, Furze Hill—might have received its etymology either from its firs or furze; the furze spreading in golden patches over many portions of the slope of the hill, and a small plantation of Scotch firs crowning its summit. When the trio from the Woodlands reached the spot, soon after noon, the pic-nic party had already arrived from the asylum, which was five miles distant in an opposite direction. They had come in carriages, and waggons, and a break; and, of the patients, there were about forty females and twenty males, with the matron and steward, and a staff of nurses and attendants. Dr. Dustacre and Dr. Plimmer were with them, with a few ladies and gentlemen who had received special invitations to be present. The weather was all that could be wished for such an occasion, and the party appeared to be a very happy one, the patients enjoying themselves in an orderly way. Luncheon had been laid out in al fresco style, upon the