CHAPTER XXXYL 



THE MEET OF THE FOUR-IN-HAND. 



lESTERDAY witnessed the first meeting 

 of the Fonr-in-Hand Club, at the nsnal 

 trysting-place, the Magazine, in Hyde 

 Park, hard by that turgid pool known as 

 the Serpentine. A lovely morning gave promise of 

 a genial day — a promise that was, in truth, loyally 

 and royally performed, for the weather was all that 

 could be desired ; while the presence of Royalty 

 added an additional charm to a most enjoyable 

 gathering of the elite of the fashionable world. 



Hyde Park on this occasion was seen to the 

 greatest possible advantage ; for, after an un- 

 paralleled and apparently interminable winter, we 

 have, while standing upon the very threshold of 

 summer, at length received a long overdue instal- 

 ment of spring. The venerable elms, which are the 

 glory of the park, hesitatingly, and by slow degrees, 

 are unfolding their leaves ; a forward rhododendron, 

 anxious to anticipate its many companions, is seen 

 blooming alone. The emerald green of the lawns, 

 the trimly-kept borders, and the cheery but limited 

 allowance of sunshine, gave an inviting aspect to 

 this pleasant resort ; and it was no wonder, there- 



