lo The Teteott Hunt CXleek. 



into thin air. They disappear as does a scene in a 

 dissolving view. And lo ! there stands before me a 

 graceful form, w^ith face radiant with beauty and 

 goodness — such a face as England alone produces, 

 and yet her sunny, nut-brown hair is encircled with 

 gardenia, and flowers of the Riviera festoon her 

 robe. In her hand is a cluster of oleander blossoms, 

 the scent of which I am so fond. This she holds 

 out to me, but I cannot reach it. She pauses for a 

 moment, and then, with a look of surprise and dis- 

 appointment, vanishes from my sight. She is gone: 

 perhaps for ever. 



A chilly feeling creeps into my heart, and I 

 shudder at the thought that some more favoured 

 suitor may gain the prize that I have been unable 

 to grasp. I gaze on the spot where she just now 

 stood, but see nothing but the ashes of a fire that 

 has burnt itself out, and a clock on the chimney- 

 piece which points to the hour of midnight. 



Must to bed, for I intend to be stirring early 

 to-morrow. I wish to have plenty of time to get 

 myself up correctly for the grand meet at " Halwell 

 Station." Hundreds will be there. 



At all times I dislike to be hurried of a hunting 

 morning — obliged to bolt my breakfast and to rush 

 off in ill-temper and in a slovenly state of attire. 



To-morrow I must be very particular as to my 

 appearance, and have decided not to take sandwiches 



