Of course one ought to be able to breast weather such as this of to… day； and to find one's pleasure in the strife with it。 For the man sound in body and serene of mind there is no such thing as bad weather； every sky has its beauty； and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously。 I remember the time when I would have set out with gusto for a tramp along the wind…swept and rain…beaten roads； nowadays； I should perhaps pay for the experiment with my life。 All the more do I prize the shelter of these good walls； the honest workmanship which makes my doors and windows proof against the assailing blast。 In all England； the land of fort； there is no room more fortable than this in which I sit。 fortable in the good old sense of the word； giving solace to the mind no less than ease to the body。 And never does it look more homely； more a refuge and a sanctuary； than on winter nights。
In my first winter here； I tried fires of wood； having had my hearth arranged for the purpose； but that was a mistake。 One cannot burn logs successfully in a small room； either the fire； being kept moderate； needs constant attention； or its triumphant blaze makes the room too hot。 A fire is a delightful thing； a panion and an inspiration。 If my room were kept warm by some wretched modern contrivance of water…pipes or heated air； would it be the same to me as that beautiful core of glowing fuel； which； if I sit and gaze into it； bees a world of wonders？ Let science warm th