West sat at the Squire's right hand, between him and Farmer Threpp, a
quiet man and supposed to be a very substantial one. All went on
pleasantly; but when the elaborate dinner gave place to dessert and
wine-drinking, the company became rather noisy.

"I think it's about time you left us," cried the Squire by-and-by to
young Hubert, who sat next him on the other side: and over and over
again Mr. Todhetley has repeated to us in later years the very words
that passed.

"By George, yes!" put in a bluff and hearty fox-hunter, the master of
the hounds, bending forward to look at the lad, for he was in a line
with him, and breaking short off an anecdote he was regaling the company
with. "I forgot you were there, Master Hubert. Quite time you went to
bed."

"I daresay!" laughed the boy. "Please let me alone, all of you. I don't
want attention drawn to me."

But the slight commotion had attracted Captain Monk's notice. He saw his
son.

"What's that?--Hubert! What brings you there now, you young pirate? I
ordered you to go out with the cloth."

"I am not doing any harm, papa," said the boy, turning his fair and
beautiful face towards his father.

Captain Monk pointed his stern finger at the door; a mandate which
Hubert dared not disobey, and he went out.