72 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



it would be well if we went a little into figures, so that every 

 one present may know what are the requirements of the 

 case ; but previous to giving you a statement of expenses, I 

 must express my regret that this meeting did not open with 

 a suitable tribute to the man to whom we all have been so 

 deeply indebted in the past." 



"They were all wondering who was going to pay," said 

 Lady Flora. 



"Possibly; but though I am no orator I hope to be 

 allowed to preface my remarks by a few words of heartfelt 

 gratitude to the late master." (Applause.) Jack dealt with 

 the subject in simple words, but every now and again his 

 voice broke, as voices will which speak of severed friend- 

 ships. Lady Flora frequently nodded approval, and the com- 

 pany murmured its assent to the words of the speaker. 



" Now, the actual cost of hunting the country has been 

 quite two thousand five hundred pounds per annum, and if a 

 committee were to undertake the matter they must face the 

 purchase of a pack of hounds as well. Of course it is open 

 to them to negotiate with some moneyed man who would 

 partly pay expenses for the pleasure of hunting hounds him- 

 self." 



"And you might get one old woman instead of another, 

 you mean ?" asked Lady Flora amidst laughter. 



" Possibly," Jack went on. "Anyway the committee would 

 have to find about one thousand six hundred pounds them- 

 selves, and perhaps more." 



" Shall we put the promised subscriptions on paper ? " 

 asked Sir Gregory feebly. 



" Better have the proposition seconded first," said Lady 

 Flora. 



Each person looked at the other, but none moved, till a 

 farmer, Major Creswell's only tenant, being caught by the 

 military eye, rose and said " 1 will," mopping his face as he 

 sat down. 



"The man thinks he's at a christening," Lady Flora 

 muttered. 



