PAEEWELL TO THE BELVOIR. 



Aftee the racing was over, after the dancing was 

 done, Melton was in a state of utter demoralization ; 

 everybody was late, everything behind-hand, and the 

 demon of unpunctuality held undisputed sway, the 

 day's sport at Croxton Park having been succeeded 

 by a ball at " The House," where Colonel and Mrs. 

 Markham entertained the haute volaille of society 

 frequenting this, the liveliest place in Leicestershire ; 

 and, it being in the nature of a farewell festivity, the 

 assembled visitors prolonged their stay until the 

 creeping hours of time had so far advanced that there 

 was but little chance of rest for those who meant to 

 be present at the last day with the Belvoir. 



The "fixture" of the Duke of Kutland's hounds 

 was Croxton Park ; the hour, noon ; and such was 

 the strain on the resources of the George that it was 

 not until five minutes before the appointed time that 

 the dogcart, which was to take me to cover, was 

 announced. Relying upon the general unpunctuality 

 of the period, and the fleetness of the steed which 

 was to convey me to the ^^ meet," I had but little fear 

 of accomplishing the distance, seven miles, in time 

 to witness the closing scene with this noble pack of 

 hounds. The morning was bright, though there was 

 a nipping and an eager air which augured ill for 

 sport ; and little more than a grand parade was to 



