332 THE COACHING AGE. 



out of London, so that all the journey down to 

 his father's had to be done by coach ; and in order 

 not to lose any time, he started off the same night, 

 reaching his destination about mid-day following. 

 The little country parish was six miles or more from 

 any town, off the high-road, and consequently not a 

 very accessible place. Arrived there, however, the 

 whole story was told, including all the embellishments 

 of the wily Ensign. The reverend gentleman accord- 

 ingly was favourably impressed with it, and accom- 

 panied his son back to town, spending a whole day in 

 travelling by the coach, 



A meeting with the Ensign was arranged, but 

 he did not intend to have any hunting in couples, so 

 he gave Young Green to understand that all that took 

 place must be strictly confidential, a matter of honour, 

 and it was indispensable that his interview with 

 the father should be quite private. Not suspecting 

 anything wrong, this was assented to, and the 

 meeting took place between the two only. Without 

 difficulty the Ensign submitted such a glowing de- 

 scription of the appointment, and the position it 

 would be for the son, that the reverend gentleman 

 agreed to the terms. 



' As this,' said the Ensign, ' is strictly a matter 

 of confidence and honour, and I am only acting 

 for somebody else, perhaps you will just give me 



