He then left the room, but had not taken many steps down the staircase, when he called out in a loud voice,
"Art thou coming, Will? Never was there so lazy a rascal."
"I am quite ready, your honour," replied Charles, following with the portmanteau.
[CHAPTER III.]
HOW WILL JONES FOUND A FRIEND IN THE STABLE.
As they passed through the back part of the house on the way to the stables, they met two or three women-servants, who glanced inquisitively at the new groom, and thought him a good-looking young fellow. In the court-yard they found Colonel Lane and Lord Wilmot. The former was talking with his head falconer, Randal Gates, and telling him that he should require the hawks and spaniels after breakfast.
"I mean to give this gentleman, Mr. Harris," he said, glancing at Lord Wilmot, "a little sport. My sister is going to Long Marston, and we will ride with her as far as Packington Hall."
"The hawks and spaniels shall be ready for you, colonel, whenever you require them, and as there are plenty of partridges in the corn fields, I make no doubt you will be able to show Mr. Harris some good sport."