2 6 Hunting m the Golden Days. 



the Squire's confidant, writing his letters, keeping farm 

 accounts, breaking in his dogs and horses, and generally 

 making himself agreeable to his friends. In fact, he 

 is one of those invaluable men without whom no country 

 house seems to be complete. 



Goodbery, who feels the pangs of hunger growing on 

 him, as the jolting about of the coach and no lunch have 

 given him a rare appetite, is not sorry when dinner is 

 announced, and he is told off to take in a shy young 

 maiden, a niece of Sir John's. What a merry party 

 they are on this occasion, the flashing of the lights 

 upon the old silver on the sideboard, the brightness ot 

 the cut glass and dishes all helping to make the com • 

 forts of life more pleasant and palatable for the guests 

 assembled to enjoy them. Roast beef, mince pies, plum 

 pudding, and old mulled ale are as usual in attendance 

 to celebrate the season of the year. " Christmas comes 

 but once a year," remarks Goodbery with a sigh of 

 perfect happiness as he helps himself to another mince 

 pie ; " but when it comes it brings good cheer." 



Miss Janet has arranged that she is to be seated on 

 Mr. Goodbery's left. Artful spinster, she did not wish 

 to be taken in by that worthy, in case it should cause 

 comment, but at the same time she has contrived to be 

 seated next to him, so that she may enjoy his con- 

 versation. As soon as the guests are all seated at table, 

 Miss Betty, Sir John Jarvis's daughter, narrates an 

 adventure she met with while returning from a visit to 

 London, where she has been spending a few days with 

 her sister. 



Returning by the " Comet " coach, the passengers 

 consisting only of Charley Yaverton, Miss Betty, and 

 another lady, as evening drew near and they were 

 crossing a wild common the coach was suddenly 



