THE EIGHTH DUKE OF BEAUFORT 



a means of strengthening his usefulness and in- 

 fluence. 



A hunt like that ruled over by the Duke of 

 Beaufort was a sort of open-air club. In the days 

 of which I am now speaking the hunting field 

 was free to all, and every one could do what 

 he pleased save to ride over the hounds. The 

 hunt was the Duke's own, carried on at his ex- 

 pense, and the only distinction was the buff and 

 blue uniform. The much-prized right to wear 

 this was given by the Duke. The existence of the 

 hunt and the way it was carried on, brightened the 

 whole neighbourhood. Many a kindly action was 

 done in the field, many a friendly word spoken, 

 much business even was transacted, for the Duke 

 there met his tenants and neighbours in a way 

 unshackled by formality. 



His household was a very splendid establishment, 

 equalling in state and magnificence anything of the 

 kind in the country. On a hunting morning the 

 coach, loaded with guests and friends, would be 

 driven to the fixture by the Duke or Lord Worcester. 

 When the day's sport was over, the Duke's guests 

 would find a change of clothing and a lunch at some 

 convenient inn, and could return in comfort to 

 Badminton. From the first the Duke's children 

 learned to ride. " We are not allowed to hunt more 

 than three times a week till we are five years old," 

 was the explanation of one of them to a visitor at 

 the house. A kindly hospitality reigned, for the 



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