CONVALESCENT. 83 



scoffed at any thought of a coining spring. Just the day for 

 the Tilton Hills, just the day for an onlooker seeking informa- 

 tion, but shirking his share in the fray for a post on any one 

 of the prominent eminences hereabouts gave a birdseye view 

 that was distinctly and sharply marked up to the most distant 

 horizon. Horses and hounds two miles away looked as if re- 

 duced from life-size by photography, and with none of their 

 outline lost or even blurred in the far perspective. But, while 

 men of conscience and capacity had worked out the early part 

 in the day in travelling on a cold scent well nigh to the Coplow 

 and to all appearance had fallen freely by the way your 

 recorder was pursuing only the result of circumstances and an 

 instinct which pointed down wind, to Owston Wood. To reach 

 this from Brooksby's castellated mansion involves a ride along 

 what he has learned, in his more or less limited experience, to 

 look upon as the most fascinating bridle-road in the Midlands 

 to wit, that by the brookside from Twyford to Owston. Its 

 charms have been, of course, enhanced, almost sanctified, by 

 association with the Great Ranksboro' Run of 1875, of which 

 this vale formed the chief scene. But, apart from this, it has 

 a beauty that cannot but appeal to the eye and heart of any 

 man who loves a grass country. For, from either bank of the 

 tempting Twyford Brook, miles of old and roughly-fenced turf 

 slope gently upward to the higher levels of Burrough or Tilton 

 with never a cottage, scarcely a tree, to break the wild expanse. 

 Here Reynard is little likely to encounter anybody or anything 

 to turn him from his path : here hounds can travel quickly if 

 they can travel anywhere ; and here a rider need never fear but 

 that a bold horse and a bold heart can carry him whither he 

 may choose. 



The keen clear air of Tuesday allowed the eye full play and 

 the imagination full scope, bidding them wander at their will 

 into the far distance, or travel again over well-recognized scenes. 

 The quiet southerly breeze (which might at any moment bear 

 upon it the clamour of the approaching chase) only fanned the 

 midday cigar, aiding pleasant reverie, and inciting to happy 



G 2 



