Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/43

 huntsmen were busy with the hounds, a fine pack imported from Buckinghamshire, and the hunters were talking and laughing together, walking their horses about, or tightening their girths for the long run.

In the large open space of the grove hundreds of carriages, filled with spectators, were assembled, and more were arriving every moment. The horns of the coaches sounded merrily in the distance, and presently a drag, driven by a wounded polo-player, his crutches conspicuously displayed beside him, rolled into the grove.

On this coach the quick eyes of Gladys Carleton espied her English acquaintance of the morning, the Hon. Cuthbert Larkington.

Mr. Larkington's horse, having been led out by a groom, was awaiting him. He sprang into the saddle and joined the group of riders, making his way to the side of Gladys, by whom he was half-graciously received.