GROPERS BUSH

A Traveller writes of his journey through Gropers Bush, 1869.

"I cannot close my notice of this really prosperous part of the country
 without informing future visitors to it that a considerable amount of
 pleasure - yet not unmixed with surprise - will be experienced on paying
 a visit to the Groper Bush Hotel... Unassuming, neat and clean in its
 external arrangements - I am free to confess that I was totally unprepared
 - in fact, somewhat unnerved - by the salutation that greeted me on 
 entering from the very furtherest corner of a capacious chimney, and
 pronounced by a deep bass voice which, although duly appreciated when
 performing its part in a chorus, grated harshly on my ears at the moment,
 not so much for the tone as for the words, which, as well as I can 
 remember, were to the following effect: 'Who the --- are you? Where did
 you come from?' The first thoughts that entered my mind were that either
 my friend and self had fallen into an ambuscade or that we had intruded
 on sacred territory... A dark object moved towards me, and I was conscious
 that the eyes of the deep-toned voice were riveted on me in an uncomfortably
 searching manner, but which gradually relaxed into a rather pleasing 
 expression, affording me considerable relief. This felling was enhanced
 when, accompanied by a hearty shake of the hand, I was informed by mine
 hostess (a discovery I had just made) that I was 'heartily welcome' to
 Groper Bush."

Transcribed by Corey Woodw@rd