And if a covey gets up all at once, they
won't expect you to pick out the old cock first; they'll do all that; in
fact, you must put yourself at your ease, and not be anxious, and
everything will be right."
"Honnor!" called Lady Adela, "Come away at once--breakfast is in." So
that Lionel had no proper opportunity of thanking the young lady for her
friendly counsel and the interest she took in his small affairs.
Breakfast was a merry meal; for, as soon as the things had been brought
in, the servants were allowed to leave; and while Lady Adela poured out
the tea and coffee, the gentlemen carved for themselves at the sideboard
or handed round the dishes at table. The Rev. Mr. MacNachten, the little
Free Church minister, was especially vivacious and humorous, abounding
with facetious anecdotes and jests and personal reminiscences; until,
observing that breakfast was over, he composed his countenance and
proceeded to return thanks. The grace (in spite of Lord Fareborough's
nervous qualms) was comparatively a short one; and at the end of it they
all rose and were for going their several ways.
But this was not to the minister's mind.
"Your leddyship," said he, addressing his hostess in impressive tones,
"it would be ill done of us to be assembled on such an occasion without
endeavoring to make profitable use of it.
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