THE MASTER 9 



for the English never fancy a friendship fairly cemented until it 

 has been riveted on the altar of the mahogany. It is convenient 

 too, in some cases, such as hunting a distant part of the 

 country ; besides, it makes an agreeable change, especially when 

 a party is not composed entirely of the same people as have 

 been " hob-a-nobbing " it at "the club" for weeks together. 

 This is one of the mistakes non-hunting people make. They 

 fancy that none but foxhunters will do to meet foxhunters. 

 Our friend Cottonwoors three fair, blooming, buxom daughters 

 make an agreeable variety ; but if " Wool " had not had them, 

 he would have filled their places with three other " red or 

 orange-vermilion coats," if, indeed, he had the "Master" at 

 all, which is more than problematical, seeing he never had his 

 predecessor, and always abused the hounds and all belonging to 

 them, until his daughters were invited to the hunt ball, and he 

 saw Henrietta in the grasp of Sir Rasper Smashgate, a hard- 

 riding baronet, going the rounds of a waltz with all the liveli- 

 ness of a waggon-wheel. "Wool" then began to mumble to 

 himself something about "more ti?i/iAe/}' things," " iine estate," 

 and Mrs. Wool and he jumped to a conclusion that \\'ool ought 

 to be a " sleeping partner " in the hunt, and have the Master to 

 Fleecy Hall. The thing suited Wool's purpose, and it suits 

 our Masters ; at least it would have done if they had not nearly 

 roasted him alive. And here let us have a word " ir la Walker " 

 to Wool and all the sleeping partner tribe. Nay, some 

 managing partners even may be benefited by our truisms, if 

 they would but remember them. Have a good fire in each 

 guest's bedroom when they arrive. People out of gigs, off 

 coaches, out of railway trains are apt to be chilly and cold. 

 There let them warm themselves — but remember, oh remember, 

 that a lot of people put into one room, with lamps, candles, 

 wittles, and waiters, will very soon cook up a devil of an 

 atmosphere. Shutting the shutters, drawing the blinds, closing 

 the curtains, is all very right and meritorious when you are 



