412 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



and himself, in the shape of a lawyer agent ; in place of whom 

 the best practical farmer in each district was appointed by him 

 as an arbitrator in any trivial cases of dispute, and deputed to 

 send him statements of any improvements required, in buildings 

 or drainages on the farms ; but when staying at the Castle 

 applications were to be made to Lord Beauchamp, personally, 

 on all matters of this kind, by the tenants themselves ; thus 

 the friendly relations, which ought ever to exist between the 

 owner and cultivators of the soil, were established to the mutual 

 benefit of both. 



However high in rank any landlord may be, whether duke, 

 marquis, or earl, he may rest assured that it is most unques- 

 tionably his interest, if not his duty, to hold the supreme 

 authority over his property in his own hands, and not subject 

 his tenants to be domineered over, and his lands deteriorated, 

 by the pretended supervision of a lawyer agent, totally 

 ignorant of all agricultural business, and who is paid a handsome 

 per centage for merely collecting the rents, writing a few letters, 

 or occasionally copying out some lease or agreement, framed by 

 men of greater experience than himself. No man can be safely 

 employed as land agent, who is not thoroughly and practically 

 acquainted with the management and cultivation of land. 



After spending a fortnight at Annandale Castle, the two 

 thoroughly happy couples set out on their return to Bampton, 

 where they were received with open arms and warm embraces by 

 the Earl and his Countess. After these greetings had passed, 

 Malcolm's habitual love of fun broke forth. 



"Well, I fear I shall now become like the donkey who 

 had two mammas." 



" In what respect Charles 1 " asked Blanche. 



" Why, he became a very great donkey indeed, my love." 



" Oh, that you have ever been, Charles, since I have had 

 the honour of your acquaintance." 



" I tell you what it is, aunt, or mamma — whichever you 

 choose to be called — that spoilt pet of yours has become so 

 exceedingly gumptious since her promotion as Lady Beauchamp, 

 that she rules the whole roast — will have her own way in 

 everything ; and as for her husband, poor fellow — oh ! me — as 

 Mrs. Winter says — she treats him like a dog ; in short, it is 

 a most fortunate thing for him to get her back to Bampton, 

 where I hope you will now keep her in proper order once 

 more." 



" Very well, Charles," replied his aunt, " then I will take 

 her to her room, and begin my first lecture/' 



