zo6 ARDENMOHR. 



in fact, that very afternoon, when they left, we 

 took to the hills in pursuit of mountain hares 

 as a tonic for peace of mind, nor did we return 

 until dark to a bachelor's dinner. 



Of course, anything like depression could merely 

 be temporary with a few light-hearted sportsmen ; 

 but, to a certain extent, it was inevitable on the 

 sudden and complete separation of friends so very 

 agreeable, and for whom we one and all had real 

 regard and affection. Major Duncan seemed least 

 hipped of any ; but the evening before they left he 

 had a long stroll up the glen with Mrs. Peyton- 

 had he broken ground about Annie, and not been 

 discouraged ? quite possible. 



Sport and sociable enjoyment had now gone on 

 without a hitch to near the end of September, by 

 which time most of the resources of Ardenmohr 

 (excepting the more remote covers) had been 

 thoroughly tested. 



Salmon fishing was still carried on, but by the 

 middle of September fish begin to lose condition in 

 the river, and are sensibly depreciated in the loch, 

 although much more plentiful. Notwithstanding this 

 drawback, the shooting was often let alone that we 

 might have a cruise on the loch or a cast on the 



