General JSurnabi^ 263 



we had met at the Hall on at least five occasions 

 previously. An old faithful servant named Muggle- 

 ton was always entrusted to see after Tom Firr and 

 myself. Baggrave Hall, where we were staying, 

 is a very ancient place, with old oak staircases, 

 thick walls, and oak shutters. The latter make 

 the rooms quite dark, and as we did not go to 

 bed very early, having kept the concert or "sing- 

 song " up till about two o'clock, Tom, who on 

 these occasions is generally a good favourite, as 

 he sings a first - rate song, and plenty of them, 

 did not leave earlier than anyone else. On retiring 

 to bed he told Muggleton to be sure and bring the 

 shavino- water at nine o'clock as usual, which the 

 latter forgot to do until about ten minutes to eleven, 

 when he came to the door, and said : 



" Mr. Firr, the hounds have been in front of the 

 house more than twenty minutes." 



Poor Tom jumped out of bed, and I can't say he 

 said his prayers all through, but what he did say 

 were all for poor old Muggleton. 



Dear old General Burnaby always talked and 

 laughed about this up to the very last time I saw 

 him. There may be as good, but a better-hearted 

 or more respected gentleman never lived in Leicester- 

 shire. This was shown when he put up, and was 



