8o MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



thing sort of masterful about her." He glanced sideways at 

 his companion to see how he took the remark. Between the 

 two there always existed a tacit jealousy based on certain 

 percentages from dealers in forage which was purchased 

 beyond the area of the bailiff's domain. Hibbert, however, 

 had the advantage of a piece of straw in his mouth, which, 

 being twisted about in unexpected directions, diverted the 

 spectator's eye from any successful attempt at thought- 

 reading. 



'* I dessay," was all he said, but his inward conviction 

 was that it would take a sight of women to get over William 

 Hibbert when he mieant business. 



There were no affairs of state mentioned during Miss 

 Badsworth's visit to the old huntsman's wife, in fact, after 

 a few friendly words on her visitor's part, the old lady took 

 the opportunity, which seldom occurred, of pouring out the 

 troubles and trials which attach themselves to the age of 

 well-nigh threescore and ten, and thereunto were added 

 many like words which related to family history generally, 

 and that of her only son James, who had died thirty years 

 before, and whose early decease proved the love of the gods. 

 Time had well-nigh obliterated the fact that he had been a 

 rackety youth, and a source of trouble to his parents. 



Miss Badsworth was sympathetic ; she sat and listened, 

 putting in a word here and there, so that when she rose to 

 leave she left golden opinions behind her. 



"When can I come and see the hounds, Summers ? " she 

 asked, as she passed the old man who had returned to his 

 rose tree. 



" Now, ma'am, if you are so minded." 



" I'm afraid I cannot come to-day. Til be down soon." 



And so Miss Badsworth put off the evil hour. 



