162 MY FIRST AND LAST STEEPLE-CHASE 



got over it. She must have known," he added, 

 patting her neck, " what a scrape we were 

 in." 



The usual hack races for saddles and bridles 

 followed, and the day's sport came to an end 

 without a fight, thanks to the priest, whose exer- 

 tions to keep the peace would have satisfied a 

 community of Quakers, although they might not 

 approve of the mode by which the object was 

 effected. 



We had hardly finished dinner at the lodge, when 

 the carriages with our guests for the ball began to 

 arrive, those from a distance looking with dismay at 

 the wreck of the tent, that still lay strewed on the 

 lawn. They were all directed forward to the 

 barn, however, whither we were soon prepared to 

 follow. 



Although my confidence in the ability and re- 

 sources of the ladies of our party was nearly un- 

 limited, I could hardly avoid feeling some slight 

 misgivings on entering the barn, knowing the short 

 time they had to work in, and how heavily the mis- 

 hap of the morning must have told against them. 

 All, however, agreed that they had seldom seen a 

 prettier room. The walls and roof were completely 

 covered with fishing-nets, filled in and concealed 

 by purple and white heath. The effect was remark- 



