a pilot to steer us through the narrow channel
of proprieties," cried Jack, laughing.

"I think, too, it would be as well to remember," resumed Temple,
"that Lord Culdufif is our guest, and to whatever accidents of
acquaintanceship we may be ready to expose ourselves, we have no right
to extend these casualties to _him_."

"I suspect we are not likely to see his lordship to-day, at least.
He has sent down his man to beg he may be excused from making his
appearance at dinner: a slight attack of gout confines him to his room,"
said Marion.

"That 's not the worst bit of news I 've heard to-day," broke in Jack.
"Dining in that old cove's company is the next thing to being tried by
a court-martial. I fervently hope he 'll be on the sick list till I take
my departure."

"As to getting these people together to-day, it's out of the question,"
said Augustus. "Let us say Saturday next, and try what we can do."

This was agreed upon, Temple being deputed to ride over to Longworth's,
leaving to his diplomacy to make what further advances events seemed
to warrant,--a trustful confidence in his tact to conduct a nice
negotiation being a flattery more than sufficient to recompense his
trouble. Jack and Nelly would repair to the cottage to secure the
L'Estranges. Craufurd could be apprised' by a note.

"Has Cutbill got the gout, too?" asked Jack. "I have not seen him this
morning."

"No; that very cool gentleman took out my cob pony, Fritz, this
morning at daybreak," said Augustus, "saying he was off to the mines at
Lisconnor, and would n't be back till evening."

"And do you mean to let such a liberty pass unnoticed?" asked Temple.

"A good deal will depend upon how Fritz looks after his journey. If I
see that the beast has not suffered, it is just possible I may content
myself with a mere intimation that I trust the freedom may not be
repeated."

"You told me Anderson offered you two hundred for that cob," broke in
Temple.

"Yes, and asked how much more would tempt me to sell him."

"If he were a peer of the realm, and took such a liberty with me, I 'd
not forgive him," said Temple, as he arose and left the room in a burst
of indignation.

"I may say we are a very high-spirited family," said Jack, gravely, "and
I 'll warn the world not to try any familiarities with us."

"Come away, naughty boy," whispered Eleanor; "you are always trailing
your coat for some one to stand upon."

"Tell me, Nelly," said he, as they