A Quest/ ON of Bits 3 



on a thoroughbred, which the lad, evidently inheriting 

 the paternal skill, handled with ease and adroitness. 

 The doctor, on the animal that did duty between the 

 shafts ; a few red coats, several blacks, and a sprinkling 

 of tweeds, with a concourse of carriages in the green lane 

 which bounded the covert on one side, formed details of 

 the scene. 



* So you had a fair thirty minutes on Tuesday ? ' 

 Lawford says to a visitor from a neighbouring hunt, 

 about which Glebeshire is not jealous — only, somehow, 

 it does not accept very cordially the record of smart 

 things. 



* A very good forty,' is the reply. 



' Yes, they say forty, I know ; but when I hear of 

 runs I always knock off twenty-five per cent. I find you 

 get nearer to it,' Lawford replies, sneeringly. 



' You mean that you are likely to arrive at a more 

 accurate estimate of the precise circumstances ? ' says 

 Starchley, who has an unhappy taste for fine language. 

 Starchley, beautifully got up, never misses a meet, rides 

 up early to the covert side, empties his flask, smokes a 

 cigarette, and after cantering over a field or two, goes 

 home under the impression that he has been hunting. 



' You'll find mine a very useful rule,' Lawford 

 continues. 



' Eepeated experiences warrant its application ? ' 

 Starchley suggests ; but no one answers him, so he has 

 some sherry. The visitor knows Lawford, and does not 

 care about arguing. 



' What are you riding, Lawford ? Isn't that the 

 beast that bolted with you last week ? ' another of the 

 group inquires, after glancing down the lane to see if the 

 hounds are in sight. 



B 2 



