THE 



MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



CHAPTER I. 



It was on the morning of the 1st of November, 18 — (the fox- 

 lmnter's opening day for the season), that a gay party of sports- 

 men, in their bright scarlet costume, were gathered round the 

 breakfast table of Mr. Beauchamp, of Bampton House, a 

 gentleman of high descent, and large landed property, in one of 

 the midland counties. Bampton House being of large dimen- 

 sions, many friends were invited the previous evening to dine 

 and sleep there, in readiness for the ensuing gala day ; accord- 

 ingly, about half-past nine on that auspicious morning (for 

 so it proved, although not exactly with " a southerly wind and 

 a cloudy sky"), a goodly assemblage of choice and daring spirits 

 thronged the hospitable board of Mr. Beauchamp, all eager to 

 dispatch their morning meal, and prepare themselves for the 

 coming fray. 



On the sideboard, besides the usual dishes on such occa- 

 sions, of ham, beef, cold fowls, game, &c, divers bottles of 

 cherry brandy, Curascoa, and Maraschino, stood invitingly 

 displayed. 



Of this goodly company, whilst so engaged, we may take 

 this opportunity of noticing a few of the most distinguished 

 characters ; and first of all, as standing by fox-hunting etiquette 

 at the head of his brothers in pink, the Master of the Hounds, 

 William Beauchamp, now in his twenty- fourth year (living 

 with his father), to whom the management of the pack was 

 now entrusted. He was tall in stature, though rather slightly 

 formed, yet of great activity and strength, and a fearless though 

 careful rider. He possessed a frank and manly countenance, by 



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