194 REMINISCENCES OF 



big wood, but we could not catch one. I got on 

 very well, and my throat is all right, but I am as stiff 

 as a post. Tom Powell, my new whip, is a first-rate 

 fellow. I wrote to Dick Alkin to tell him I was in 

 trouble, and like an old trump he came over directly 

 on Saturday. He could not stay, but has promised 

 to come back to-morrow or Wednesday, so I shall 

 do well enough when he comes — in fact, I can fight 

 on now, but this illness of Cross's, if he does not get 

 well quick, may keep me here longer. 



'' Hervey Farquhar has been here this afternoon. 

 He wished to buy Brackley some time ago. They 

 asked ^3,000, so he declined it, and has taken a 

 place for two years in Northamptonshire, which he 

 has furnished and put in order. The price of Brack- 

 ley then drops to ^2,150. He would like to buy it 

 but does not want two houses at once, so his buying 

 it is contingent on my taking it for the mother. We 

 may give it up when we like or keep it nine months, 

 he says. He asks a Jew's rent, but he is so hampered 

 with the other house and having to furnish two at 

 once, that he would rather let it for a long time at a 

 lower rent than a short time. He is a capital fellow, 

 and was very good to come over to see me about it. 

 He came from London to Brackley. 



" Tuesday morning. 



" As no answer has come from the mother, I 

 have closed for the house. A dry situation, heated 

 with hot water, and a cheery drawing-room were not 

 to be overlooked, and it is the best situation for hunt- 

 ing possible, so the business is settled." 



