A Brave Woman. 39 



Sometimes in the great house there may be seen 

 the counterfeit presentment of such a retainer limned 

 fifty years ago, with dog and gun, and characteristic 

 background of trees. His wife has perhaps survived 

 till recently — strong and hale almost to the last ; the 

 most voluble gossip of the hamlet, full of traditions 

 relating to the great house and its owners ; a virago 

 if crossed. It is recorded that upon one occasion in 

 her prime she confronted a couple of poachers, and, 

 by dint of tongue and threats of assistance close at 

 hand, forced them to retire. It was at night that, her 

 husband being from home and hearing shots in the 

 wood, she sallied forth armed with a gun, faced the 

 poachers, and actually drove them away, doubtless as 

 much from fear of recognition as of bodily injury, 

 though even that she was capable of inflicting, being 

 totally fearless. 



Nothing can be more natural than that when a 

 man has shown an earnest desire to give satisfaction 

 and proved himself honest and industrious, his em- 

 ployer should exhibit an interest in the welfare of his 

 family. Now and then a small farm may be found 

 in the hands of a man descended from or connected 

 with a keeper. To successfully work a tenancy of 

 such narrow limits it is necessary that the occupier 

 should himself labour in the field from morn till dewy 



