, and Tynn had
carried out his orders for the supply of plenty to eat and drink.

They formed in groups, listening for the return of the carriage, which
had gone in state to the railway station to receive them. All, save
Master Cheese. He walked about somewhat disconsolately, thinking the
proceedings rather slow. In his wandering he came upon Tynn, placing
good things upon one of the tables, which was laid in an alcove.

"When's the feasting going to begin?" asked he.

"Not until Mr. Verner shall have come," replied Tynn. "The people will
be wanting to cheer him; and they can't do that well, if they are busy
round the tables, eating."

"Who's the feast intended for?" resumed Master Cheese.

"It's chiefly intended for those who don't get feasts at home," returned
Tynn. "But anybody can partake of it that pleases."

"I should like just a snack," said Master Cheese. "I had such a short
dinner to-day. Now that all those girls are stuck down at the
dining-table, Miss Deb sometimes forgets to ask one a third time to
meat," he added in a grumbling tone. "And there was nothing but a
rubbishing rice pudding after it to-day! So I'd like to take a little,
Tynn. I feel quite empty."

"You can take as much as you choose," said Tynn, who had known Master
Cheese's appetite before to-day. "Begin at once, if you like, without
waiting for the others. Some of the tables are spread."

"I think I will," said Master Cheese, looking lovingly at a pie on the
table over which they were standing. "What's inside this pie, Tynn?"

Tynn bent his head to look closely. "I think that's partridge," said he.
"There are plenty of other sorts: and there's a vast quantity of cold
meats; beef and ham, and that. Sir Henry Tempest said I was not to stint
'em."

"I like partridge pie," said Master Cheese, as he seated himself before
it, his mouth watering. "I have not tasted one this season. Do you
happen to have a drop of bottled ale, Tynn?"

"I'll fetch a bottle," answered Tynn. "Is there anything else you'd
like, sir?"

"What else is there?" asked Master Cheese. "Anything in the sweets
line?"

"There's about a hundred baked plum puddings. My wife has got some
custards, too, in her larder. The custards are not intended for out
here, but you can have one."

Master Cheese wiped his damp face; he had gone all over into a glow of
delight. "Bring a pudding and a custard or two, Tynn," said he. "There's
nothing in the world half so nice as a plat