CHAPTER XVI. 



H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES— H.R.H, 

 PRINCE ARTHUR (THE DUKE OF 

 CONNAUGHT)— H.M. THE EX-QUEEN 

 OF NAPLES— H.I. M. THE EMPRESS 

 OF AUSTRIA. 



In 1870 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales 

 paid a visit to Earl Spencer at Althorp Park, and 

 hunted with the Pytchley Hounds at Stowe-Nine- 

 Churches. 



I was asked by Lord Spencer to conduct the 

 Prince through the wood, and to obtain a good 

 start with the hounds when the fox should go- 

 away. On being presented to the Prince, who 

 was most affable, and full of enquiries about the 

 surrounding property, I informed him that the 

 parish of Stowe-Nine-Churches belonged to the 

 Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy, whereupon 

 he manifested the greatest interest ; and I was- 



