CHAPTER VII 



A DAY WITH THE DUKE 



" Pleasure that the most enchants us 

 SeeT?ts the soonest done ; 

 What is life, with all it grants us, 



But a hunting- run!" — Whyte-Melville. 



IT had been arranged that we should take a 

 day with the Duke's hounds, and a special 

 effort was being made by every one of the 

 house party to put in a creditable appearance, both 

 as to horse and kit. I was unable to go, having 

 business to attend to at home ; but was mounting 

 Captain Richards, an old friend and fine horseman, 

 on my best ; and our numbers were increased by a 

 lady. Miss Anstruther, and a gallant soldier. Major 

 Thurston, who had come to hunt and stay, bring- 

 ing their own horses. Both were very good in their 

 own way, but a little jealous. Billy, Florence Elliot, 

 and a schoolboy completed the party. 



Breakfast was to be half-an-hour earlier than 

 usual, and Billy and Miss Florence were a quarter 

 of an hour late, owing to the extra time each had 

 devoted in the morning-room to the adjusting of 

 the other's scarf, which seemed to be models of 

 neatness and whiteness ; though the young lady's 

 required more protracted manipulation from the deft 

 fingers of the gentleman than appeared requisite. 



65 E 



