226 BEAGLES. 



bonds of matrimony, had abated much 

 of his original propensity, and appeared 

 to be in the enjoyment of all the com- 

 forts of life. 



About this time I became acquainted 

 with a gentleman at St. Albans, who 

 had something in common with myself, 

 in regard to out-door amusement or em- 

 ployment. Occupying a farm a short 

 distance from the town, he managed to 

 keep two or three couple of beagles; 

 and I would frequently ride back from 

 Redbourn on one of the up-coaches, 

 after my journey down, to accompany 

 him on foot to his farm, and regale 

 my ears with the music his little pack 

 would develop when they got upon the 

 track of a rabbit or a hare. 



It was not long after this that St. Al- 

 bans had a far greater attraction in an 

 object pointed out to me by my friend 

 in the Abbey Church, whither I had 



