Hunting in the Golden Days. 25 



Be that as it may, Mrs. Lofty has certainly gained 

 the upper hand over her husband in all domestic 

 matters, and she is not averse to showing her power 

 over him. With an imperious voice she calls him to 

 her side. 



" George, have you seen that all the luggage is safely 

 placed in our room, and have you carefully counted all 

 the boxes r " 



" Yes, my dear," replies the submissive husband, " I 

 have attended to that." 



<* You had better make certain," replies his dame, 

 *' so go up at once and count them over again. You 

 know what there is. My large hair trunk, my three hat 

 boxes, my dressing and jewel case, your carpet bag, hat 

 box, and brown paper parcel. You remember the last 

 time we paid a visit to Foxholes you forgot my 

 dressing-case, and you know how I was put about." 



Lofty is about to leave the room, with alacrity, in 

 quest of the said luggage, when he is again recalled 

 by his loving wife. 



'* While you are up there, George, you might take 

 out my moire-antique, for you know how crumpled it 

 will get if it is left in the packing." 



At last poor George is allowed to go and get this 

 distasteful business over, and while he is gone I will 

 introduce the reader to another of the friends who have 

 come to spend Christmas at Buckskin Hall. 



One of the guests usually found in every country 

 house, and who is, indeed, a most valuable addition 

 to every social gathering, is Charley Yaverton. He was, 

 at one time, in a regiment of horse, but being unfor- 

 tunately possessed of small means, he was compelled 

 to sell his commission, and now he is located at 

 Buckskin Hall for several months each year, acting as 



