320 MEMOIR OF 



Bellew's, or the " Stars of the West," and that, 

 too, in mid-season ; but when Mr. Villebois 

 added, " and have a day or two, with the West 

 Norfolk pack," he added a bait that w^as irresis- 

 tible and Russell jumped at it as a trout would 

 at a May-fiy. 



It boots not here to tell how rapidly that 

 pleasant visit was brought to a close ; the 

 happiest moments have always the fleetest 

 wings, and are apt to take flight ere we can 

 well enjoy, or even realize, their presence. The 

 day before the party broke up, however, a most 

 agreeable surprise awaited Russell ere his steps 

 were actually turned on his long journey home- 

 wards. The Prince, coming up to him, said, 

 " How long are you going to stay here, Mr. 

 Russell." 



"I must be at home on Saturday, sir, without 

 fail." 



"Then," said the Prince, turning to Mr. 

 Villebois, " you had better bring him over to 

 our ball on Friday." 



Accordingly, instead of returning on that day 

 to Devonshire, as he meant to have done, 

 Russell hunted with Mr. Villebois' hounds, 

 dined at Marham, and at night, accompanied 

 by his host, whisked off to the ball at Sand- 

 ringham. It was a late and lively affair, the 

 dancing being kept up with unflagging gaiety, 

 and Russell taking an active part in it till four 



