HUNTING 129 



mce in hunting there seemed nothing for it 

 but total abstinence. 



Yet deep within my heart lay the taste of 

 it, and the vow that with time and patience 

 I would come to it again, possibly not in the 

 full tide of the start but in a more moderate 

 way ; and so it has been. 



In the last few years, thanks chiefly to the 

 care and thoughtfulness of spoiling friends, 

 above all to the chatelaine of Thorpe, what 

 with suitable horses, short hours, and com- 

 mon sense, added to stronger health, much 

 of my secret resolve has been fulfilled. 



There are many compensations in advanc- 

 ing years, and a more sedate enjoyment of 

 hunting is one of mine. No longer does the 

 sight of hounds whiten my face with excite- 

 ment, though I still own to a bump or two 

 inside me when standing at a covert side 

 hounds give tongue, and one knows in 

 another few minutes they will stream into the 

 open and we after them. Who that has felt 

 it will deny that there is a unique fascination 

 in the sound and sense of galloping hoofs ; a 

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