MARGARET ROPER, flaying been the residence of the family, but the most reliable evidence is in favour of the site having been the same as that of Beaufort House-upon the greater part of which now stands Beaufort -street. The dwelling, then a country villa, was built by Sir Thomas himself, and was " a house neither mean nor subject to envy, yet magnificent and com- modious enough," and surrounded by an extensive farm, and "wonderfully charming " garden, the cultivation of which occupied the leisure moments of the unambitious statesman. From one side of the garden, the whole of Londonwas visible, while from the other, the Thames, with green meadows, and woody eminences, could be seen, and the beautiful terrace, overhanging the river, afforded a command- ing view of the general prospect. Margaret was the eldest daughter and best- beloved child. The first Mrs. More had been the eldest daughter of Mr. John Colt, of New Hall, in Essex; and Sir Thomas's courtship of her had been a little singular, for, on being advised to marry, in his twenty-seventh year, he had chosen her younger sister, but thinking, with an unusual degree of generosity, that it would be a cruel slight to pass her over, as the eldest born, he stifled his first affec- tion, and offered her his hand. He certainly never regretted his union with Jane Colt, for they lived very happily together, he being kind and good - humoured, and she amiable, and as well educated as country Squires' daughters generally were at the 6
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