A 'nasty' trick 55 



as usual; and this invitation the ladies were con- 

 strained to accept. Off the party went, and wended 

 their way through the grounds, greatly to the dis- 

 comfiture of those who wore highly starched frills 

 and flounces. The Duchess led them on towards 

 the farm buildings of the castle, and, affecting to be 

 tired, she sat down on the dirtiest dunghill she could 

 find, upon which she suggested, with the utmost 

 nonchalance, her companions should rest themselves. 

 The latter held their hostess in such fear that they 

 obeyed her grace's malicious request, and thus she 

 had the unwomanly satisfaction of spoiling her 

 guests' handsome gowns. It will perhaps be wise 

 to draw a curtain over the anger of those injured 

 dames when they found themselves alone or had 

 departed for home. 



