MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 235 



*' I suppose a bold, mannish girl is an attraction to men," 

 Mrs. Tucker remarked sourly. '* I trust, Edwin, you will 

 not endanger your prospects." 



" No fear, mater," replied Edwin, thinking of a somewhat 

 compromising document which a certain barmaid in the 

 vicinity of Cambridge refused to give up except at a price 

 which did not suit the finances of Mr. Tucker, junior. 



A pouring wet afternoon, little or no scent, and conse- 

 quently hard work for the huntsman and no sport, concluded 

 the day for the Cranston hounds. 



" Give it up and go home, Lavvy," her father had coun- 

 selled at last, and she was only too glad to act on the advice. 



Six miles home in a wet coat and leathers damps the 

 ardour of the best and bravest. Jack Morgan noted that the 

 girl was dead beat and wretched in her soaked condition, so 

 he rode up alongside of the wearied huntsman and imparted 

 some of his merry good-humour to the depressing surround- 

 ings. Never was Lavvy more grateful for anything. A 

 man who can be cheerful in spite of depressing circumstances 

 is at all times to be admired. 



" Uncle Hugo was quite right," Lavvy said after a time, 

 taking off her cap and shaking the water from it. " How I 

 hate this rain all down my neck." 



" Don't you believe it, he was all wrong. It would have 

 made him sit up to see you to-day. You tackled old Tucker 

 first-rate." 



" It was dad who gave him * what for '." 



" Perhaps ; but you stood the brunt in style." 



The reply slipped out unawares. 



" I didn't mind him, I knew you were close by." 



Jack made no comment ; he felt content despite the 

 weather. 



