Brotherton foxhounds last Wednesday, and that he rode with the
pack all the day, leading the field. We do not believe this, but we
hope that for the sake of the Cathedral and for his own sake, he will
condescend to deny the report." On the next Saturday there was another
paragraph, with a reply from the Dean; "We have received from the Dean
of Brotherton the following startling letter, which we publish without
comment. What our opinion on the subject may be our readers will
understand.

"Deanery, November, 187--

"Sir,--You have been correctly informed that I was out with the
Brotherton foxhounds on Wednesday week last. The other reports
which you have published, and as to which after publication, you
have asked for information, are unfortunately incorrect. I wish I
could have done as well as my enemies accuse me of doing.

"I am, Sir,

"Your humble servant,

"HENRY LOVELACE.

"To the Editor of the 'Brotherton Church.'"

The Dean's friends were unanimous in blaming him for having taken any
notice of the attack. The Bishop, who was at heart an honest man and a
gentleman, regretted it. All the Chapter were somewhat ashamed of it.
The Minor Canons were agreed that it was below the dignity of a dean.
Dr. Pountner, who had not yet forgotten the allusion to his obesity,
whispered in some clerical ear that nothing better could be expected
out of a stable; and Canon Holdenough, who really liked the Dean in
spite of certain differences of opinion, expostulated with him about
it.

"I would have let it pass," said the Canon. "Why notice it at all?"

"Because I would not have any one suppose that I was afraid to notice
it. Because I would not have it thought that I had gone out with the
hounds and was ashamed of what I had done."

"Nobody who knows you would have thought that."

"I am proud to think that nobody who knows me would. I make as many
mistakes as another, and am sorry for them afterwards. But I am never
ashamed. I'll tell you what happened, not to justify my hunting, but
to justify my letter. I was over at Manor Cross, and I went to the
meet, because Mary went. I have not done such a thing before since I
came to Brotherton, because there is,--what I will call a feeling
against it. When I was there I rode a field or two with them, and I can
tell you I enjoyed it."

"I daresay you did."

"Then, very soon after the fox broke, there was that brook at which