196 THE FAT OF THE LAND 
the sun caught it, and then sink gently into the 
deep lap spread below. The bough would spring 
as if to catch its beautiful load, and, failing in 
this, would throw up its head and try to look 
unconcerned, — though quite evidently conscious 
of its bereavement. 
The appearance of the sun brought signs of 
life and activity. The men improvised a snow- 
plough, the strong horses floundering in front of it 
made roads and paths through the two feet of 
feathers that hid the world. 
After lunch, the young people went for a frolic 
in the snow. Two hours later the shaking of 
garments and stamping of feet gave evidence of 
the return of the party. Stepping into the hall 
I was at once surrounded by the handsomest 
troupe of Esquimaux that ever invaded the tem- 
perate zone. The snow clung lovingly to their 
wet clothing and would not be shaken off; their 
cheeks were flushed, their eyes bright, and their 
voices pitched at an out-of-doors key. 
« Away to your rooms, every one of you, and 
get into dry clothes,” said I. «Don’t dare show 
yourselves until the dinner bell rings. I'll send 
each of you a hot negus, — it’s a prescription and 
must be taken; I’m a tyrant when professional.” 
We saw nothing more of them until dinner. 
The young ladies came in white, with their 
maiden shoulders losing nothing by contact with 
their snow-white gowns. All but Miss Jessie, 
whose dress was a pear! velvet, buttoned close to 
ee ee 
