y but insidious death. She reminded
herself that every shred of instinct and experience that each furious
little head contained bade the owner of it to fly as fast and straight
as possible, in squawking company with as many friends as possible, away
from those horrible personages in green and silver with the agitating
red flags, and up that quiet slope which, at the worst, only emitted
sudden noises. A reflective grouse would perhaps (and two out of three
did) consider that he could fly faster and be sooner hidden from the
green men with red flags, if he slid crosswise down the valleys on
either side. But--Jenny observed--that was already calculated by these
human enemies, and butts (like angels' swords) commanded even these
approaches too.

It was obvious, then, that however great might be the illusion of free
choice, in reality there was none: they were betrayed hopelessly by the
very instincts intended to safeguard them; practical common-sense, in
this case, at least, led them straight into the jaws of death. A little
originality and impulsiveness would render them immortal so far as guns
were concerned....

Yes; but there was one who had been original, who had actually preferred
to fly straight past a monster in green on a gray mare rather than to
face the peaceful but deathly slopes; and he had escaped. But obviously
he was an exception. Originality in grouse--

At this point the mare breathed slowly and contemptuously and advanced a
delicate, impatient foot, having quite satisfied herself that danger was
no longer imminent; and Jenny became aware she was thinking nonsense.

* * * * *

There were a number of unimportant but well-dressed persons at lunch,
with most of whom Jenny was acquainted. These extended themselves on the
ground and said the right things one after another; and all began with
long drinks, and all ended with heavy meals. There were two other women
whom she knew slightly, who had driven up half an hour before.
Everything was quite perfect--down even to hot grilled grouse that
emerged from emblazoned silver boxes, and hot black coffee poured from
"Thermos" flasks. Jenny asked intelligent questions and made herself
agreeable.

At the close of lunch she found herself somehow sitting on a small rock
beside Dick. Lord Talgarth was twenty yards away, his gaitered legs very
wide apart, surveying the country and talking to the keeper. Her father
was looking down the b