21 Hunting in the Golden Days. 



clothes and titivates himself up for the evening meal. 

 His apartment is well worthy of notice. It is a lofty- 

 room hung with tapestry, with a delicate scent of 

 lavender and dried rose-leaves pervading it. The large 

 four-post bed with heavy draperies reminds one some- 

 what of the old bed of Ware. The whole effect is 

 perhaps a trifle uncanny, with a suggestion of shadowy 

 legends and ghosts. A portrait of a young lady hangs 

 over the fireplace, which might perhaps bring up 

 unpleasant visions to nervous minds, for it is a family 

 legend that this beautiful creature of so fair and fragile 

 appearance was foully murdered shortly before her wed- 

 ding day. But Mr. Goodbery is fortunately endowed 

 with strong nerves, and therefore the apparition is not 

 likely to disturb his digestion nor cause him unpleasant 

 qualms. 



Half-an-hour later our hero issues forth arrayed in his 

 white nankin breeches, black velvet coat and white wig. 

 Descending to the drawing-room he finds a large party 

 of guests assembled, and he is again cordially wel- 

 comed at this union by his old friends. Miss Janet, an 

 elderly spinster, sister of Sir John, is looking her best 

 to-night, and as she lays her slender hand for a moment 

 in that of Mr. Goodbery, a thrill passes through her 

 system, for she has hopes, which alas ! up to the 

 present have been unfruitful, but she comforts herself 

 with the reflection that there is no knowing what time 

 may work. 



She has known Mr. Goodbery ever since they were 

 both children, and many are the pleasant gatherings at 

 this festive season of the year at which they have met. 

 She has tried many wiles to capture him, some might 

 say without any response from that solid gentleman ; but 

 v;e know the fair sex, when once bent upon any object. 



