A Run 119 



ground he crosses by the pressure of his pads, or does 

 the subtle essence float in the air ' breast high,' as they 

 say — or does it do either, or both? We must watch the 

 pack to-day and try to see ; for, if you please, the 

 Meadowmere Hounds meet at the Hall at eleven (break- 

 fast at 10.30 being an addition to the cards). It is for 

 this reason that little streams of horsemen have con- 

 verged, cantering over bridle paths, across the fields, or 

 trotting along the roads, and this is why so many led 

 horses are parading about in front of the house. There 

 are mounted men too. The farmers, as a rule, prefer to 

 take their snacks in the saddle, and they munch their 

 sandwiches, washed down by the contents of wine-glasses 

 or tumblers as their preferences lie, in little groups under 

 the trees, where also traps and carriages of various sizes 

 and shapes are drawn up. There is an agreeable air of 

 hospitality about a hunt breakfast which scarcely lingers 

 anywhere else. In the dining-room of the Hall, long 

 tables are laid out with what might be a substantial ball- 

 room supper ; the host's thoughtful providence has 

 caused the erection of a sort of buffet at the end of the 

 room, where those who do not care about sitting down 

 — and a heavy breakfast is a bad preparation for a 

 hard run — may be quickly served with * pretty tiny 

 kickshaws.' 



Someone with whom Mr. Romford breakfasted had 

 been told that it was not fashionable to give champagne, 

 but it may be set down as a standing rule that it is 

 always fashionable to give champagne on all occasions, 

 provided that the champagne be good ; and if it be not, 

 to give it on any occasion is a sin. Here the corks are 

 popping merrily, though men who mean business will 

 not replenish their glasses. Young Urbington from 



