The Meet 309 



a married man from a neighbouring town for several years, 

 and he has had more than one good word of advice and 

 comfort from the Master. Mrs. V. has lately taken her 

 departure from home, and suspicion is great. Only the 

 Master of all those present knows Villager's secret. The 

 two men shake hands. 



"Any news. Villager?" 



" No," comes the sad reply. 



" I am sorry for you ! " says the Master, still holding him 

 by the hand. With another warm pressure of the hand, he 

 hurries on. 



Villager bites hard against his lip. His face hardens, 

 and he reins his horse farther back into the evergreens, 

 brushing away a tear with the back of his hand. 



But by now it is almost eleven, and every one not yet 

 mounted prepares to mount. Toot-toot ! goes the horn, and 

 soon a long cavalcade is getting into shape to jog along to 

 covert. 



