194 IN THE HIDING-SCHOOL. 



habit buttons is better than an elastic caught 

 under the braids of your hair, for when an elastic 

 does not snap outright, it is always trying to do 

 so, and in the effort holds the hat so tightly on 

 the head as sometimes to give actual pain. The 

 hunting guard is no restraint at all unless the 

 hat flies off, in which case it keeps it from fol- 

 lowing the example of John Gilpin's, but with 

 the Henry Heath lining, your hat is perfectly 

 secure in anything from a Texas Norther to a 

 New England east wind. If you follow London 

 example, and wear a straw hat for morning rides, 

 sew a piece of white velvet on the inner side of 

 the band, and your forehead will not be marked. 

 Arrayed after these suggestions, Esmeralda, 

 you will be inconspicuous, and that is the gen- 

 eral aim of the true lady's riding dress, with the 

 exception of those worn by German princesses, 

 when, at a review, they lead the regiments 

 which they command. Then, their habits may 

 be frogged and braided with gold, or they may 

 fire the air in habit and hat of white and scarlet, 

 the regimental colors, as the Empress of Ger- 

 many did the other day. If you were sure of 

 riding as these royal ladies do, perhaps even 



