hunter.

Mr. Horne was no fox-hunter, but still he seemed to be irresistibly
taken with the lady-like propensity of wishing to wear them.
"Surely, George," he said, "the general must have been a stouter man
than I am"--and he contemplated his own proportions with
complacency--"these what's-the-names are quite big enough for me."

I differed in opinion, and was obliged to explain that I thought he
did the good living of Ollerton insufficient justice.

"I am sure they are large enough for me," he repeated, with
considerable obstinacy. I smiled incredulously; and then to settle
the matter he resolved that he would try them on. Nobody had been
in these rooms for the last hour, and it appeared as though they
were never visited. Even the guide had not come on with us, but was
employed in showing other parties about the fortifications. It was
clear that this portion of the building was left desolate, and that
the experiment might be safely made. So the sportive rector
declared that he would for a short time wear the regimentals which
had once contained the valorous heart of General Chasse.

With all decorum the Rev. Mr. Horne divested himself of the work of
the London artist's needle, and, carefully placing his own garments
beyond the reach of dust, essayed to fit himself in military garb.

At that important moment--at the critical instant of the attempt--
the clatter of female voices was heard approaching the chamber.
They must have suddenly come round some passage corner, for it was
evident by the sound that they were close upon us before we had any