Other fellows would shoot all the birds if he dawdled any longer.

Mary was in deep despondency at the idea of his departure, yet she laughed and talked with the rest.

And perhaps Lesbia felt a little moved at the thought of losing Mr.Hammond.Maulevrier would come back to Mary, but John Hammond was hardly likely to return.

Their parting would be for ever.
'You needn't sit quite in my pocket, Molly,' said Maulevrier to his younger sister.
'I like to make the most of you, now you are going away,' sighed Mary.
'Oh, dear, how dull we shall all be when you are gone.' 'Not a bit of it! You will have some fox-hunting, perhaps, before the snow is on the hills.' At the very mention of fox-hounds Lady Mary's bright young face crimsoned, and Maulevrier began to laugh in a provoking way, with side-long glances at his younger sister.
'Did you ever hear of Molly's fox-hunting, by-the-by, Hammond ?' he asked.
Mary tried to put her hand before his lips, but it was useless.
'Why shouldn't I tell ?' he exclaimed.

'It was quite a heroic adventure.
You must know our fox-hunting here is rather a peculiar institution,--very good in its way, but strictly local.