NO FISH FOR DINNER 37 



and this being an established rule, ensured the punctual 

 attendance of those who cared for either fish or soup. 



The mention of fish calls to my recollection a boyish 

 adventure of my brother and self, to supply Lady Burdett's 

 table, when the skill of the most expert fisherman had 

 failed to raise a single trout from the stream. A large 

 party was expected at dinner that evening, and our 

 tutor, one of the most scientific anglers of his time, having 

 promised her ladyship, the previous day, a splendid dish 

 of trout for the occasion, commenced whipping the waters 

 of the Kennet (which, running close by the house, formed 

 a fine lake in its front) from an early hour in the morning 

 until three o'clock in the afternoon without success, for 

 not one fish could he catch ; the weather was too hot, 

 the wind too still, the water too clear. He gave it up in 

 despair, writing a letter to her ladyship expressive of his 

 deep disappointment. 



We were in the room when the letter arrived. 



" What am I to do ? " exclaimed Lady Burdett, " with 

 this large party and without any fish ! Mr. Meyrick has 

 failed to take any, and depending on his skill, I did not 

 send to the neighbouring town." 



*' Pray do not give yourself a moment's uneasiness on 

 this account," I repHed ; "we will furnish your table with 

 trout sufficient, even were your expected guests Catholics, 

 and this their fast-day, to dine on fish alone." 



" But how," she asked, " are you boys to effect this, 

 when your master has so signally failed ? " 



" We will teYLyou when we return," was our reply, " on 

 the condition that you do not impart the secret to him." 



" That I readily promise," she said ; " but you must 

 make haste, or your fish will arrive too late for dinner." 



Now whether inoculated with our host's well-known 



