244 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND, {v.

attitude. At least, so Harry thought it, for it was
not customary in those parts to see people clad en-
tirely in brown velvet, and such was the old gentle-
man’s costume. Brown velvet’ shooting-coat and
waistcoat, brown velvet knickerbockers, and a wide-
awake of similar material which he held in one of his
hands, probably because it would otherwise have
fallen to the ground as he swung with his head
downwards. ;

Harry perceived ata glance that his ngw acquaint-
ance was no ordinary personage, although who or |
what he might be would have puzzledéa wiser head
than Master Harry’s to have determined. However,
Eton boys are never disconcerted at trifles, and
Harry, being an Eton boy, was not much put out,
however much he might have been surprised, by the
address of the individual in question. Perhaps his
first idea was to be somewhat offended at being so
coolly accosted by a-perfect stranger, but this feel-
ing did not last long, and the more so because he
felt that there was some force in the advice so un-
cerémoniously tendered. Though not really angry,
he had certainly felt more vexed than he liked to
own at the umpire’s decision, and the observation
which he had uttered aloud might well have led a
casual hearer to come to the conclusion that He had
slightly given way to a temper which it would have
been. better to have restrained. So, after the first
moment of surprise, he burst out into a hearty fit of
' laughter, without saying a word.

‘That’s better!’ observed the old gentleman ; ‘ that’s
much better, my boy! Laughter is a capital cure for