52 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



like the Squire attending his own burial," the sexton re- 

 marked, though it was by no means a part of his duty to 

 reduce the quality of orthodox gloomy impressions. 



** Like ! He may be like to look at, but that's nothin' ; you 

 may have a couple of hounds as like as peas, one as good as 

 they make 'em and the other only fit for the halter." 



" To breed from, I suppose you mean, Mr. Summers ? " 

 the sexton inquired, tracing, as he thought, an ecclesiastical 

 meaning in the remark. 



" Breed from ? No, to hang is what I meant." 



" Well, yes, we have known humans like that. I can mind 

 Tom and Jim Crosley who " 



" So can I, Mr. Davis, I was here afore you." 



The sexton was silent as those are who feel they are in the 

 presence of superior intellects, or being of peaceful disposition 

 avoid controversial subjects. 



''What's this they are saying about the hounds?" he 

 asked, by way of introducing a congenial matter. 



" Depends what they are sayin'," Mr. Summers said 

 enigmatically. 



" Well, they do say that Miss " 



Joe Summers turned upon the sexton so shortly that the 

 latter broke off, and busied himself in placing on one side 

 a wreath of flowers ; he positively felt the old huntsman's 

 eyes, as many a fox had done before, nevertheless he read 

 the card attached to the tastefully arranged wreath of Cornish 

 flowers with its simple inscription, " From Lavvy," ere he 

 said : — 



" No offence, Mr. Summers." 



" None taken ; good day, Mr, Davis." 



One more look into the grave, one glance at the clear blue 

 sky with moistened eyes, and the old man walked slowly 

 away with a painful limp. 



" To think of his bein' took afore me ! I'm glad the sun's 

 a shinin'. It don't matter to-day," he said to himself as he 

 went. 



