Of course Hampton would
be there as Hampton's servant had brought the note, and he was very
anxious to be on friendly terms with Mr. Hampton. Next to the lord
himself there was no one in the hunt who carried his head so high
as young Hampton.
But there arose to him the question whether all this had not
arrived too late! Of what good is it to open up the true delights
of life to a man when you have so scotched and wounded him that he
has no capability left of enjoying anything? As he sat lonely with
his pipe in his mouth he thought for a while that he would decline
the invitation. The idea of selling Chowton Farm and of
establishing himself at some Antipodes in which the name of Mary
Masters should never have been heard, was growing upon him. Of what
use would the friendship of Lord Rufford be to him at the other
side of the globe?
At last, however, the hope of giving that friendly nod to Runciman
overcame him, and he determined to go. He wrote a note, which
caused him no little thought, presenting his compliments to Lord
Rufford and promising to meet his lordship's party at Dillsborough
Wood.
The shooting went off very well and Larry behaved himself with
propriety. He wanted the party to come in and lunch, and had given
sundry instructions to his mother on that head. But they did not
remain near to his place throughout the day, and his efforts in
that direction were not successful.
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