THE MEET OF THE HOUNDS 105 



The effect was magical. The talking and the 

 laughing ceased. Men fell away from one another 

 and, as French rode up to the master, three 

 farmers who had been talking to him turned their 

 horses so that their backs were presented to the 

 new-comers. 



By the inn door, which was directly opposite 

 the cross, French perceived Mr Giveen. Mr 

 Giveen vanished into the inn, but a moment later 

 his face appeared at the bar-room window, and 

 remained there during all that followed. 



*' Well, Hennessey," said the master of Drum- 

 gool, appearing to take no notice of the coldness 

 of his reception, " you've a fine day for the first 

 meet. Allow me to introduce you to a young lady 

 who is staying with me. Mr Hennessey — Miss 

 Grimshaw. And where are you going to draw? " 



"Barrington scrub,IbeHeve," replied Hennessey, 

 saluting the girl. " Yes, it's not a bad day. Do 

 you intend to follow? " 



" No. We'll go to see you draw the scrub, 

 that's all. Why, there's Father Roche! And 

 how are you to-day? Faith, it's younger you're 

 looking every time I meet you. And why haven't 

 I seen you at Drumgool these months? " As he 

 turned to talk to the priest several of the hunt 

 drew close to Hennessey, and spoke to him in a low 

 tone, but so vehemently that Violet, observing 

 everything, overheard several of their remarks. 



" Not a fut does he follow the houn's. What 

 do I care about him? Sure, Giveen said he swore 



