168 RACECOUESE AND COVERT SIDE. 



necessary to address that unmeaning mono- 

 syllable to the bird in question ? ' " 



Matilda gives vent to her usual modicum of 

 mirth. 



*' The set at the squire's is not one with 

 which I should be at all in accord, my dear 

 mother," I explained. " They think of nothing 

 there but hunting and racing, and other amuse- 

 ments in which I could take no part. I have 

 met Hugh Welwyn, and know his tastes and 

 habits." 



" Hunting ! If you go in for that, you'll 

 have some practical illustrations of your favourite 

 'Diversions of Purley,' " said Uncle John, 

 adding something about getting " up early " in 

 the morning. 



Matilda saw it at once, and acted accord- 

 ingly. 



*'I should certainly like him to go," my 

 mother remarked. " He has been out so little ; 

 and it is a great pity, when he possesses every 

 requisite for social success — an extended know- 

 ledge of books — he is ready of conversation — a 

 finished singer " 



" Yes, I much prefer his singing when he's 

 finished,'" interpolated my dear uncle. But I 

 ignored the interruption. 



" One reason why I wished to be at home 



