MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 73 



Jack was on his legs in a moment. 



" I propose as an amendment that the members of the 

 hunt support the arrangements made by the late master in 

 his Will." 



" And I second it," said Lady Flora with decision. 



Jack Morgan pointed out that though the provisions were 

 extraordinary they were only temporary. 



" And in that time a whole pack of hounds may be ruined," 

 growled the Major. 



" Perhaps you can take on the huntsman's place and put 

 them right afterwards, Major," Jack said. " Anyway it is a 

 great thing that the members should be spared the expense, 

 etc." 



People felt a relief. The Major withdrew his proposition, 

 and the amendment was carried. Mutterings and pessi- 

 mistic views were naturally uttered in the library where tea 

 was served. 



" Plenty of display and very little tea," Lady Flora said 

 to Jack Morgan in a voice which he feared would reach 

 Lady Sorter or her quick-eared daughters. " I know what 

 it was, Jack, they thought I should put down a handsome 

 sum," she went on. "What on earth induced a man like 

 Hugo Badsworth to make such foolish conditions ?" 



" I'm hanged if I know. Lady Flora ; if it hadn't been in 

 his Will, I should have thought it a practical joke against 

 his sister on account of her peculiar views." 



" Ah ! meant her to put on the breeches in earnest, but it 

 was in his Will. I know little of her, and I don't fancy 

 those sort of people much ; it's all very well supposing one 

 never lived beyond forty, but. Jack, there's no provision for 

 old age ; now just fancy me in bloomers ! " 



Jack burst out laughing at the idea. 



'* You might have a divided skirt, or whatever it is," he 

 said. 



The old lady hit him good-humouredly with her fan. 

 " Get me some more tea before it's all gone. I'll go over 

 and call. Come and dine with me the day after to-morrow." 



