PRICE ONE SHILLING.
CHATTO & WINDUS, PICCADILLY.
A DAY'S TOUR
A Journey through France and Belgium
LILLE, COMINES, YPRES, HAZEBROUCK,
BERGUES, AND ST. OMER
1887
PREFACE.
his trifle is intended as an illustration of the little story in'Evenings at Home' called 'Eyes and No Eyes,' where the prudent boysaw so much during his walk, and his companion nothing at all.Travelling has become so serious a business from its labours andaccompaniments, that the result often seems to fall short of what wasexpected, and the means seem to overpower the end. On the other hand,a visit to unpretending places in an unpretending way often producesunexpected entertainment for the contemplative man. Some suchexperiment was the following, where everything was a surprise becauselittle was expected. The epicurean tourist will be facetious on theloss of sleep and comfort, money, etc.; but to a person in good healthand spirits these are but trifling inconveniences.
August, 1887.
CONTENTS.
A DAY'S TOUR.
I.
IN TOWN.
t is London, of a bright sultry August day, when the flags seemscorching to the feet, and the sun beats down fiercely. It has yet acertain inviting attraction. There is a general air of bustle, and theprovincial, trundled along in his cab, his trunks over his head, looksout with a certain awe and sense of delight, noting, as he skirts theP