8o ARDENMOHR. 



" Oh dear ! poor Mr. Abbott is doomed," sighed 

 Fred; "and so near the twelfth very annoying, is 

 it not, Major?" 



""Well, there is some chance for him, as this is 

 hardly a decided case, and Abbott has possibly been 

 before out early. Give him the benefit of the doubt." 



It was settled that this day should be devoted 

 to making up arrears of letters, &c., too long delayed, 

 and perhaps it was as well, the weather being rather 

 bright for fishing. To-morrow was arranged for a 

 visit to some small lochs on the east range of hill, 

 where, Archie said, we should find snipe and pro- 

 bably some teal; and the day following fixed for 

 a salmon chasse on the river. So, having dawdled 

 over breakfast, and enjoyed a social pipe under the 

 old fir-tree, I took my writing-case and note-book, 

 and went off to scribble in a favourite hollow on 

 the hill-side. 



This place is a pet retreat of mine, and I can 

 hardly tell why, as there are others equally accessible, 

 and where the views are finer. How is it that one 

 takes to particular places and persons irrespective of 

 any definite excellence ? Of the men I meet I prefer 

 the company of certain individuals, not necessarily 

 the wisest or best-mannered; but they suit me 



