f 



246 THE BEST OF THE FUN 



best-known members of our field. If it shocked and 

 saddened us at the moment, it came home more vividly 

 and with more intense regret afterwards, as one realised, 

 not only the manner of death, but the mental agony that 

 must have preceded it. Mr. Craven had endured also for 

 weeks past not only acute physical pain from a crushed 

 rib (the result of a fall with hounds when riding harder 

 and with more apparent enjoyment than for years past), 

 but with it that most trying and grievous of inflictions, 

 insomnia. For all this he had kept up a brave face, and 

 had driven almost daily to covert with a pleasant smile on 

 his face. Who shall wonder that the strain broke him 

 down ? It is not for me to add further comment ; but 

 in expressing my feelings as an individual, I cannot but 

 think I re-echo those of a large mass of people who, like 

 myself, had enjoyed his intimate acquaintance for many 

 years. Mr. Craven, while never effusive — nay, rather 

 reticent than otherwise — was ever sincere and consis- 

 tent. Neither his friendship nor his consideration varied 

 from day to day. He seldom opened a conversation or 

 approached a subject ; but, I can earnestly assert, he 

 invariably entered into the one with ready interest, and 

 took up the other — when broached with a view to discus- 

 sion and information — with an open, thoughtful mind. 

 He either gave you a sound opinion, or held it over to 

 another day, when I have often known him recur to a 

 topic which had in the meantime engaged thought or even 

 reference. Indeed, if one had been asked to point out a 

 member of our hunting community possessed of an evenly- 

 balanced, well-regulated mind, one would likely enough 

 have singled out Mr. Craven. He took a wide and kindly 

 interest in people and things, and had no taste for the 

 small tittle-tattle that is daily food to so many of us. 



CHAPTER XXXV 



THE ATHERSTONE 



March is hardly the month one should choose for an 

 annual visit to a neighbouring county. Coton House, 



