PRIDE IN THE SERVANTS' HALL 51 



down to be well sponged over or washed out knee 

 high." 



" It can't be done in time," replied Codrington. 



'* Oh ! yes, sir," said Markham, " it shall be done." 



Surrender was made upon these terms, and with 

 the assistance of divers fragrant perfumes, kindly supplied 

 by one of the lady's maids, the odora canum vis was 

 effectually subdued, when we made our appearance down- 

 stairs. 



From these few httle incidents a tolerable insight 

 into the character of the Squire of Tedworth may be 

 obtained. In matters of the highest import, down to 

 those of the most trivial kind, the same unyielding 

 spirit might be traced, contending with and generally 

 trampling all difficulties opposed to him under foot. 

 His rules and regulations as to the management of his 

 household were also characteristic of the man, of which 

 I may relate one instance. 



Lady D was staying at Tedworth, who had a 



very fine lady's maid, as such in high families generally 

 are, giving themselves more airs than their mistresses. 

 This lady had been accustomed to associate only with 

 the upper servants, breakfasting and dining in the 

 housekeeper's room, and great was her indignation when 

 told the rule of the house, that all the servants were 

 obliged to take their meals together in the servants' 

 hall. To this, at first, the haughty damsel would not 

 submit, making complaint to her mistress of this harsh 

 treatment, to which she had never before been subjected ; 

 but her mistress, not sorry to see her pride humbled, 

 said, she could not, of course, interfere with Mr. Smith's 

 domestic arrangements. She then appHed to the house- 

 keeper to allow her to take her meals in her own room, 



