196 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



the sun caught it, and then sink gently into the 

 deep lap spread below. The bough would spring 

 as if to catch its beautiful load, and, failing in 

 this, would throw up its head and try to look 

 unconcerned, though quite evidently conscious 

 of its bereavement. 



The appearance of the sun brought signs of 

 life and activity. The men improvised a snow- 

 plough, the strong horses floundering in front of it 

 made roads and paths through the two feet of 

 feathers that hid the world. 



After lunch, the young people went for a frolic 

 in the snow. Two hours later the shaking of 

 garments and stamping of feet gave evidence of 

 the return of the party. Stepping into the hall 

 I was at once surrounded by the handsomest 

 troupe of Esquimaux that ever invaded the tem- 

 perate zone. The snow clung lovingly to their 

 wet clothing and would not be shaken off ; their 

 cheeks were flushed, their eyes bright, and their 

 voices pitched at an out-of-doors key. 



" Away to your rooms, every one of you, and 

 get into dry clothes," said I. " Don't dare show 

 yourselves until the dinner bell rings. I'll send 

 each of you a hot negus, it's a prescription and 

 must be taken ; I'm a tyrant when professional." 



We saw nothing more of them until dinner. 

 The young ladies came in white, with their 

 maiden shoulders losing nothing by contact with 

 their snow-white gowns. All but Miss Jessie, 

 whose dress was a pearl velvet, buttoned close to 



