I'd rather----"

"Next week, nunky, you shall ride to town with me and acquire some real
clothes."

The Major stroked his chin and surveyed the Sergeant's wooden
expression!

"Egad, Tom," said he, "I think I will!"

Glancing from the window, the Major beheld a train of heavily-laden
pack-horses approaching, up the drive.

"Why, what's all this?" he exclaimed.

"That?" answered the Viscount yawning, "merely a few of my clothes,
sir, and trifling oddments----"

"God bless my soul!"

"Sir," said the Sergeant, tucking the garments under his arm beneath
the Viscount's horrified gaze, "with your permission will proceed to
warn grooms and stable-boys of approaching cavalry squadron!" and he
marched out forthwith.

CHAPTER IX

WHICH IS A VERY BRIEF CHAPTER

"I pr'ythee spare me, gentle boy
Press me no more for that slight toy
That foolish trifle of a heart
I swear it will not do its part
Though thou dost thine----"

The Viscount checked his song and inserting the upper half of his
person through the open lattice, hailed the Major cheerily.

"What, uncle, nunky, nunk--still at it? 'Tis high time you went to
change your dress."

"O? And why, Tom?"

"I look for our company here in twenty minutes or so."

"What company, may I ask?"

"Lady Belinda and Our Admirable Betty."

"Good God!" ejaculated the Major starting up in sudden agitation.
"Coming here--you never mean it?"

"I do indeed, sir!"

"But Lord! Why should they come?"

"As I gather, sir, 'tis because you invited 'em----"

"I? Never in my life!"

"Why, 'tis true sir, I was your mouthpiece--your ambassador, as it
were."

"And she--er--they are coming here! Both!"

"Both, sir."

"Lord, Tom, 'tis a something desperate situation, what am I to do
with----"

"Leave 'em to me sir! They shan't daunt you!"

"Ha! To you, Tom?"

"And dear old Ben----"

"O?"

"And Alton----"

"Indeed!"

"And Marchdale----"

"Any more, nephew?"

"And Alvaston----"

"Ah?"

"And Dalroyd and Denholm----"

"Did I invite 'em all, Tom?"

"Every one, sir!"

"I wonder what made me?"

"Loneliness, sir!"

"D'ye think so, Tom?"

"Aye, you've always been a lonely man, I mind."

"Perhaps I have--except for the Sergeant."

"You are still, sir."

"Belike I am--though I have Sergeant Zeb."

"But we'll change all that in a month---aye, less! You shall grow two
or three hundred years younger and enjoy at last the youth you'