Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/34

36 she was seated in her saddle for the chase, she handed me a note, and requested me to take it to her groom. On delivering the note and turning away, I, by some mistake, took the same path the deer were in, and the groom let off the whole pack of hounds upon my footsteps, which of course set me to screaming and running at the top of my speed; and when I arrived, breathless, in the court yard, I found my young lady and her attendants ready to die with laughing. I discovered that the note sent to the groom contained an order to have the hounds let loose upon the deer, as soon as my back should be turned, knowing that I would not be hurt at all; but, indeed, it was about as bad to be scared to death. I took it all good humoredly, as I saw my young lady only meant to have a little innocent fun at my expense.

The gentlemen were all in hunting costume, and the servants in hunting livery. The deer hunt was a brilliant and exciting scene, and my young lady was the most graceful rider I had ever seen.

For weeks after Hallow Eve, everything was quiet—the long walks and rides on horseback were part of every day's occupation, but all other amusements were carried on within doors. I remember nothing of interest for a long time, but a breakfast at Lady R.'s, at which, by some means or other, I managed to get a peep, as I did at everything else that was going on. It was a gay and splendid affair; the grounds about the mansion were superb; the grand old trees, artificial lakes, with swans and pleasure boats upon them; music in the open air; elegantly attired ladies and gentlemen; groups of footmen in livery; all delighted me, and, after enjoying the scene, I quietly returned