62 A STAUNCH FRIEND 



gave Mrs. B. credit for more common sense, if not more 

 moderation/' 



Notwithstanding my remonstrances, however (and I 

 must confess to feehng very annoyed at the inconsiderate 

 conduct of my pretty neighbour), the waggon was sent 

 back loaded with geraniums and hot-house plants. 



When thus generously disposed to common acquain- 

 tances, it was a natural sequence that Lord Ducie should 

 be no less liberal and staunch to his friends ; and that 

 such was the case, I could adduce many proofs. I remem- 

 ber his coming to my house one afternoon rather late, 

 and asking if I could give him a bed for the night, as he 

 was on his road to see a friend. 



" Certainly," was my reply ; " and I dare say we 

 can give you some dinner also, as we generally dine at 

 seven o'clock in the summer months." 



When we were sitting together after dinner he said, 

 " You will not be offended if I leave you very early to- 

 morrow morning ? " ' 



" Not offended," I answered, " although not very 

 well pleased at your paying us so short a visit." 



" Well," he continued, " there is a cause for it, and 

 I will tell you thus much : a friend of mine, whom you 



know, R , has got himself into trouble, of which I 



heard only this morning, and therefore I am desirous to 

 see if I can assist him, and that without delay." 



I had also good reason to know him as a friend indeed, 

 when left almost single-handed to contend against 

 fearful odds, with the highest influences and power 

 combined, to overthrow me in a hunting dispute. Lord 

 Ducie stood resolutely forward to support me, and 

 defeated my opponents. 



After retiring from the hunting-field, Lord Ducie 



