218 THE HUNTING GROUNDS, ETC. 



tion, in wliicli I brought 'old times' to his recollec- 

 tion, he brightened up a little, his old smile returned, 

 and for a moment he looked somewhat like himself 

 again. It was but a temporary glimmer, for a shrill 

 harsh voice in an adjoining chamber, followed by a 

 smart slap and a lengthened squall, reminded him of 

 his wretched situation ; and as I rose to avoid meet- 

 ing his (can I say) better half, who was evidently 

 getting herself up for the occasion, he pressed my 

 hand in his old affectionate manner, muttering with 



a deeply-drawn sigh, ' S , my dear fellow, you 



see the unfortunate mistake I made, and what it has 

 brought me to ; take warning, steer clear of wed- 

 lock, and you '11 be a happy man.' * I '11 be if 



I don't,' I replied, feeling at the same time a chok- 

 ing sensation, as I mounted my nag, and rode off 

 just as the temptress was sailing into the room." 

 After a hearty laugh at the major's anecdote we bade 

 him good night, and each made his way home. 



