48 LADIES ON HOKSEBACK. 



persons, and cause us to marvel at the wearer's 

 bad taste. 



I was once asked to take a young lady with 

 me for a ride in the park, to witness a field- 

 day, or polo match, or something or another 

 of especial interest which happened to be 

 going forward. I would generally prefer being 

 asked to face a battery of Zulus rather than 

 act as chaperone to young lady equestriennes y 

 who are usually ignorant of riding, and in- 

 sufferably badly turned out. However, upon 

 this occasion I could not refuse. The lady's 

 parents were kind, amiable country folks, who 

 had invested a portion of their weal h in 

 sending their daughter up to town to get 

 lessons from a fashionable riding-master, and 

 to ride out with whomsoever might be induced 

 to take her. 



Well, the young lady's horse was the first 

 arrival : a hired hack — usual style ; bones 

 protruding — knees well over — rusty bridle — 

 greasy reins — dirty girths — and dilapidated 

 saddle, indifferently polished up for the 

 occasion. 



The young lady herself came next, stepping 



