320 WOLF-HUNTING. 



Now, Bob's spirit was a very independent one ; and to be 

 lectured as if he were a mere schoolboy was not exactly the most 

 judicious mode of dealing with him on this or any other subject. 

 But when he perceived the Bishop's temper was getting the better 

 of his reason, that sense of awe with which he had been inspired, 

 and which, at the commencement of the interview, had brought 

 an icicle to his nose, now vanished like a vapour ; and Bob, 

 writhing under the taunt, firmly refused to give the demanded 

 promise. 



But the colloquy did not end there. It so happened that a 

 short time previously the newspapers had commented sharply on 

 the appearance of his Lordship at a grand ball given by the 



Duchess of ; and the Bishop had written a letter to 



explain that he had never entered the ball-room at all, but 

 had remained in the ante-room, with the sole object of enjoy- 

 ing the fine music performed by the band on the occasion. 

 This circumstance being fresh in Bob's memory, some imp of 

 mischief must have possessed his tongue when that " unruly 

 member " proceeded to say that, " if there was any moral tur- 

 pitude in the matter, there was at least as much in going to a 

 dance as in going to hounds." 



The cap fitted at once ; and the Bishop, taken aback by this 

 counter-hit, instead of continuing to attack Bob's position, was 

 compelled to defend his own. " I know, of course, what you 

 allude to, Mr. Buckstone ; but I have already explained, and 

 again repeat, that I never entered the dancing-room, but remained 

 in another apartment enjoying the music." 



" My Lord," said Bob, " your position and mine are precisely 

 similar : I delight in the music of the hounds, but am very seldom 

 in the same field with them." 



The Bishop's gravity fairly gave way ; and feeling the parallel 

 was too accurate to be questioned, he dropped the subject, insist- 

 ing only that Bob should stay to luncheon with him ere he turned 



