24 A GALLANT KNIGHT. 



rented coverts. I took my stand on the broad principles that 

 ' the hunting field is open to all the world,' that ' I am not 

 the censor of the morality of the hunting field,' that I have 

 ' no right to disappoint others to gratify the prejudices of an 

 individual,' — and that, in short, nothing should induce me to 

 take the hounds home merely because ' Skittles ' is out. I am 

 encouraged to this the more that I never hear any complaints 

 of her conduct in the hunting field, or that she is in any way 

 objectionable to the ladies who come out. On this I take my 

 stand, let the result be what it may. 



As no further mention is made of this regrettable 

 incident, we will assume that, thanks to the Master's firm 

 attitude, the fair "Skittles" continued to participate in 

 the sport. 



I regret extremely the end of the season, but as there is a 

 time for everything, I suppose now we ought to consult other 

 interests than our own, but the ground now is in beautiful 

 condition for riding ; and if the lambs and farmers would let 

 us, and there were no such things as vixens and cubs, we might 

 hunt for another month. 



