Mrs. Packletide indulges in no more big-game shooting.

"The incidental expenses are so heavy," she confides to inquiring
friends.




THE STAMPEDING OF LADY BASTABLE



"It would be rather nice if you would put Clovis up for another
six days while I go up north to the MacGregors'," said Mrs.
Sangrail sleepily across the breakfast-table. It was her
invariable plan to speak in a sleepy, comfortable voice whenever
she was unusually keen about anything; it put people off their
guard, and they frequently fell in with her wishes before they had
realized that she was really asking for anything. Lady Bastable,
however, was not so easily taken unawares; possibly she knew that
voice and what it betokened--at any rate, she knew Clovis.

She frowned at a piece of toast and ate it very slowly, as though
she wished to convey the impression that the process hurt her more
than it hurt the toast; but no extension of hospitality on
Clovis's behalf rose to her lips.

"It would be a great convenience to me," pursued Mrs. Sangrail,
abandoning the careless tone. "I particularly don't want to take