“That is Lord Rufford,” said Morton, pointing to a stout, ruddy-faced, handsome man of about thirty, who was the owner of the carriage.

“Oh, a lord.  Do the lords hunt, generally?”

“That’s as they like it.”

“Senators with us wouldn’t have time for that,” said the Senator.

“But you are paid to do your work.”

“Everybody from whom work is expected should be paid.  Then the work will be done, or those who pay will know the reason why.”

“I must speak to Lord Rufford,” said Morton.  “If you’ll come with me, I’ll introduce you.”  The Senator followed willingly enough and the introduction was made while his lordship was still standing by his horse.  The two men had known each other in London, and it was natural that Morton, as owner of the ground, should come out and speak to the only man who knew him.  It soon was spread about that the gentleman talking to Lord Rufford was John Morton, and many who lived in the county came up to shake hands with him, To some of these the Senator was introduced and the conversation for a few minutes seemed to interrupt the business on hand.  “I am sorry you should be on foot, Mr. Gotobed,” said the lord.

“And I am sorry that I cannot mount him,” said Mr. Morton.

“We can soon get over that difficulty if he will allow me to offer him a horse.”

The Senator looked as though he would almost like it, but he didn’t quite like it.  “Perhaps your horse might kick me off, my lord.”

“I can’t answer for that; but he isn’t given to kicking, and there he is, if you’ll get on him.”  But the Senator felt that the exhibition would suit neither his age nor position, and refused.

“We’d better be moving,” said Captain Glomax.  “I suppose, Lord Rufford, we might as well trot over to Dillsborough Wood at once.  I saw Bean as I came along and he seemed to wish we should draw the wood first.”  Then there was a little whispering between his lordship and the Master and Tony Tuppett.  His lordship thought that as Mr. Morton was there the hounds might as well be run through the Bragton spinnies.  Tony made a wry face and shook his head.  He knew that though the Old Kennels might be a very good place for meeting there was no chance of finding a fox at Bragton.  And Captain Glomax, who, being an itinerary master, had no respect whatever for a country gentleman who didn’t preserve, also made a long face and also shook his head.  But Lord Rufford, who knew the wisdom of reconciling a newcomer in the county to foxhunting, prevailed and the hounds and men were taken round a part of Bragton Park.

“What if t’ old squire ’ve said if he’d ’ve known there hadn’t been a fox at Bragton for more nor ten year?” This remark was made by Tuppett to Mr. Runciman who was riding by him.  Mr. Runciman replied that there was a great difference in people.  “You may say that, Mr. Runciman.  It’s all changes.  His lordship’s father couldn’t bear the sight of a hound nor a horse and saddle.  Well;—­I suppose I needn’t gammon any furder.  We’ll just trot across to the wood at once”