e for the hunting season, as three packs of hounds met
within easy reach of it; and although the stabling accommodation at
Wren's End was but small, plenty of loose boxes were always obtainable
from Farmer Burgess quite near.

Amber Guiting is a big village, almost a little town. It possesses an
imposing main street wherein are several shops, among them a stationer's
with a lending library in connection with Mudie's; a really beautiful
old inn with a courtyard; and grave-looking, dignified houses occupied
by the doctor, a solicitor, and several other persons of acknowledged
gentility.

There were many "nice places" round about, and altogether the
inhabitants of Amber Guiting prided themselves, with some reason, on the
social and aesthetic advantages of their neighbourhood. Moreover, it is
not quite three hours from Paddington. You catch the express from the
junction.

Notwithstanding all these agreeable circumstances, William Bloomsbury
was very lonely and miserable.

All the friends he knew and loved had gone, leaving him in the somewhat
stepmotherly charge of a caretaker from the village, who was supposed to
be getting the house ready for its owner. To join her came
Hannah--having left her young ladies with an "orra-buddy" in the flat.
And after Hannah came the caretaker-lady did not stop long, for their
ideas on the subject of cleanliness were diametrically opposed. Hannah
was faithful and punctual as regarded William's meals; but though his
body was more comfortable than during the caretaker's reign, his heart
was empty and hungry, and he longed ardently for social intercourse and
an occasional friendly pat.

Presently in Hannah's train came Anne Chitt, a meek young assistant from
the village, who did occasionally gratify William's longing for a little
attention; but so soon as she began to pat him and say he was a good
dog, she was called away by Hannah to sweep or dust or wash something.
In William's opinion the whole house was a howling wilderness where
pails of water easily upset, and brooms that fell upon the unsuspecting
with resounding blows lay ambushed in unexpected places.

Men and dogs alike abhor "spring-cleaning," and William's heart died
within him.

There came a day, however, when things were calmer. The echoing,
draughty house grew still and warm, and a fire was lit in the hall.
William lay in front of it unmolested; but he felt dejected and lonely,
and laid his head down on his crossed paws