48 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



Notwithstanding the tendency in this all-assuming age to 

 detract from the manners and merits of the old school of 

 squirearchy, it would be well did the rising generation re- 

 semble more in essential points that which has passed away. 

 What are the forward, flippant maimers of the young men of 

 the present clay, and especially their pert behaviour to ladies, 

 in comparison with the refined, respectful, and courtly de- 

 meanour of their fathers ? The antics and airs of apes, or 

 of a linen-draper's assistant, without even his politeness, in- 

 stead of the conduct and bearing of gentlemen; and their 

 language and conversation with ladies, what are they but a 

 positive insult to any woman of chaste ideas 1 Compare also a 

 dinner party in the present age with one of the olden time. 

 Now, all is ostentation and display, with their French cooks, 

 French dishes, Swiss valets, and gentlemanlike butlers. No 

 man thinks of committing such a solecism now as asking his 

 neighbour to take wine — formerly a medium of introduction to 

 those unknown to each other; but at a large party in these 

 days, it is one servant's occupation to go the round of the table, 

 pouring champagne and other wines into the company's glasses. 

 There is a total absence of that genuine hospitality, the cha- 

 racteristic of the olden time. No sirloin of beef smokes on the 

 board ; but, in place of the old substantial dishes, pates, cotelets, 

 fricassees a la mode francaise, are handed round ; foreign fashions 

 predominate even in our very language, which is now deemed 

 so poor and inexpressive as to require French phrases to 

 explain its meaning. 



Turn we now in retrospective view to the festive board in 

 bygone days, with the old portly butler, who has grown grey- 

 headed in the service, and the Johnny Raws of the village 

 converted into respectful and attentive serving men, whose 

 interests and happiness appeared to , be identified with the 

 members of their master's house. 



Lady Markham, having marshalled her guests and assigned 

 partners to each, as she deemed most appropriate, reserving Sir 

 Francis to herself, left the junior part to their own arrange- 

 ments, with the exception of Miss Douglas, whom she consigned 

 to her son, the Captain, much to the annoyance of Vernon, 

 who was just offering his arm, Will Beau champ feeling himself 

 imperatively called upon to hand in Selina Markham, out of 

 respect to her father, and the others not standing on much 

 ceremony in making their selection. 



The long dining-table glittered with massive silver plates 





