26 The Teteott Hunt CUeek. 



ments. On a table in window recess they place a 

 chair, as throne, the curtain hangings form a canopy 

 to it. On this they place my love, and lowly bow to 

 her, and kiss her hand. Then they take up to her 

 all my treasures, one by one, as tribute offerings. 

 Pins, rings, watch, toilet ornaments, and nicknacks, 

 all are presented to be examined, admired, and laid 

 at her feet. Next they proceed with my clothes, 

 and carry up each of the garments placed out for the 

 morrow's hunting. The buttons of waistcoat seem 

 to be much admired. All is going well ; when, lo ! 

 horror of horrors ! One of the fairies advances with 

 those very garments which had played me so shabby 

 a trick on the road to covert. Where she could 

 have found them I cannot conceive. They were not 

 in my room when I came to bed. In another 

 instant she will shake out the wretched, ragged, and 

 bespattered things for the inspection of my Queen 

 of Beauty. Not a moment is to be lost. I spring 

 out of bed. And wake to the consciousness that it 

 is all a dream. William enters with hot water. He 

 has a candle in his hand, and I am able to see his 

 look, first of astonishment, then of relief, which 

 again changes to one of indifference and usual calm- 

 ness as he feigns to account my early rising as quite 

 an everyday occurrence, and all the overnight 

 arrangements as mere moonshine. It is the dawn of 

 St. Valentine's day. 



