It was a few minutes past nine when I descended into the long, oaken gallery where breakfast was served, and at the head of the principal table sat Mr. Ravenor in hunting costume. Everyone who was down was evidently bound for the meet. The men were nearly all in scarlet coats, and the women in riding-habits and trim little hats, with their veils pushed back. There was a great clatter of knives and forks, and a good deal of carving going on at the long, polished sideboard, and above it all, a loud hum of cheerful talk; altogether it was a very pleasant meal that was in progress. I was making my way towards a gap in the table at the lower end when I heard my name called, and looked down into Miss Hamilton's piquant, upturned face. "Come and sit by me," she exclaimed, moving her skirts to make room. "See. I've hidden a chair here--for somebody." I took it with a laugh. "Well, as somebody is so very lazy this morning," I said, "he doesn't deserve to have it; so I will. Can I get you anything?" She shook her head. "No, thanks. Look after yourself, do, for we shall have to start presently. And now tell me, how did you know for whom I was saving that chair?" "Well, I supposed it was for Cis," I remarked, making a vigorous attack upon an adjacent ham. "Indeed! And supposing I were to say that it wasn't--that it was for someone else?" "Poor Cis!" I said, with a sigh. "Don't tell me who the someone else was, Miss Hamilton, please." "Why not?" "Because I shall hate him." "For Lord Silchester's sake?" "No; for my own." "Mr. Morton, you're talking nonsense." "Well, didn't you undertake to teach me how last evening?" "Teach you! Oh!"--a little ironically--"you're a very apt pupil, Mr. Morton." I looked at her in mute remonstrance. "With such a tutor, Miss Hamilton----" She stopped me, laughing. "Oh, you're a dreadful boy! Let me give you some tea to keep you quiet." I drew a long sigh and attacked my breakfast vigorously. Presently she began again. "Do you know Nanpantan, Mr. Morton, where the meet is this morning?" "Very well," I answered, cutting myself some more ham. "Do you mind giving me another cup of tea, Miss Hamilton? It was so good!" She nodded and drew off her thick dogskin glove again. "You thirsty mortal!" she remarked. "I'm afraid you must have been smoking too much last night." "One cigarette," I assured her. "No more, upon my honour." "Really! Then you won't get any more tea from me to unsteady your nerves. Now tell me, Mr. Morton, do you know this country?" "Every inch of it. No one better." "Oh, how nice! And you'll give me a lead to-day, won't you? I do so want to do well." "I should be delighted," I answered; "but, unfortunately, I'm not going to hunt." "Not going to hunt! Then what are you going to do, pray?" "Going for a ride with a young lady," I answered. "Oh, indeed!"--with a toss of the head.