178 URGENT BUSINESS. 



his own house. He was seated at the head 

 of his table one evening, when I was an in- 

 vited guest, entertaining a large company 

 of both sexes which he well understood, 

 despite his less polite accomplishments 

 when the footman entered, and, leaning over 

 the back of his chair, engaged his attention 

 a few minutes. 



" Oh very well," said he, aloud ; and, on 

 the servant's withdrawing, begged permis- 

 sion of his guests to be absent a short time 

 on very urgent business. He beckoned me to 

 accompany him, and we went directly to the 

 kitchen, where we found seated a stalwart 

 butcher of one of the neighbouring villages, 

 who acted also in the capacity of constable 

 to the hundred. 



"Do you want me ? " he asked, addressing 

 the man by name. 



"Yes, Sir Peter." 



"What do you want?" 



" I want 65. Qd. for the summons I have 

 called so many times about." 



