THE FIRST MEET OF THE S HOUNDS. 165 



still young, though so far near upon two hours have 

 passed without results. 



The hounds dash into covert again, not one of our 

 well-bred beauties taking the least notice of a fright- 

 ened hare which runs within half a dozen yards of the 

 foremost, and again we skirt the fence, listening for the 

 desired chorus. 



Flasks and sandwich-cases are now produced, and 

 cigars are rather the rule than the exception. Not 

 without misgiving we look to our oracle, the Major; for 

 if his cigar-case comes out, and one of his precious 

 Celestiales is lighted, we understand that in the opinion 

 of a very competent judge there will be nothing to 

 prevent him from enjoying it to the end. 



" It's very tiresome ! " pouts an impatient young lady, 

 as we all continue with ears astretch ; but even to oblige 

 a good-looking young girl a fox will not always come 

 out and afford a run. 



" How beautiful the beech-woods are at this time of 

 year," I remark, pointing down the vale over one of the 

 most picturesque landscapes our country possesses ; but 

 she is not to be consoled by beech-trees, though their 

 leaves may exhibit all the colours of the rainbow in 

 perfect harmony. 



"Yes, I know," this unaisthetic young person rejoins; 

 "but I can see lots of beech-trees at home, and I think 



it's very disappointing what's that ? " she breaks off 



suddenly, and it is soon evident that " that " is what we 

 have been waiting for. 



M 2 



