It was a frank and cordial hospitality, of which the genial old bishop would have approved.

The viands were homely almost to affectation.

Every day saw on that board a noble joint of boiled beef, not to the exclusion of lighter kickshaws; but the beef was indispensable, just as the _bouilli_ still is in some provinces of France.

Claret was there in plenty--too plentiful perhaps; but surely the "braw drink" was well bestowed, for with it came the droll story, the playful attack and ready retort, the cheerful laugh--always good humour.

A dinner at Crathes was what the then baronet, old Sir Robert, would call the "best of good company." Another part of the house I well remember--the place, half gun-room, half servant's hall--where we prepared for sport in the morning, and brought the day's bag home at night.