IN THE HIDING-SCHOOL. 33 



and hasten home, for nothing is easier than to 

 catch cold after riding. Air your frock and 

 cloak before an open fire to volatilize the slight 

 ammoniacal scent which they must inevitably 

 contract in the locker, and then be as good to 

 yourself as the hostler will be to your poor 

 horse. That is to say, give yourself a sponge 

 bath in hot water, with a dash of Sarg's soap 

 and almond meal in it, rubbing dry with a Turk- 

 ish towel, and then dress and go down to dinner. 

 Looking at your glowing face and shining 

 eyes, your father will tell your mother that she 

 should have gone also, but when he marks the 

 havoc which you make with the substantial part 

 of the meal, and sees that your appetite for 

 dessert is twice as good as usual, he will reflect 

 upon his butcher's and grocer's bills, and, con- 

 sidering what they would be with provision to 

 make for two such voracious creatures, he will 

 say, "No, Esmeralda, don't take your mother \ n 



