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Rh the rest took an excursion to one of the ruins in the neighbourhood. This excursion had been long talked of; it was made in the name of the children—an excuse common on such occasions. Childish gaiety is very contagious, and sunshine and open air very exhilarating; and the whole party arrived at their destination in that humour to be pleased, which is the best half of pleasure. Naturally lively, Lady Mandeville's vivacity was the most charming thing in the world. The two boys their only cavaliers, they wandered about in search of a picturesque spot for their dining-room. Much of the trouble we give ourselves is quite unnecessary—it matters very little where a good appetite finds its dinner. However, trouble is, like virtue, its own reward. At last, at the instigation of a little peasant, whose keen dark eyes belied him much if he were not a very imp of mischief, they fixed on their banqueting-place. A lovely spot it was; a hanging ground, just on the very edge of a wood, whose dark shadow seemed as if it had never been broken. Below them spread a fair and fertile country—vineyards putting forth their first shoots, and olive plantations whose light grey leaves shone like morning frost-work;