nto the midst of a metropolitan field. I ran my eye
jealously over the brown mare as Mrs. Lumley jogged quietly along by
my side, and I confess I had my misgivings whilst contemplating the
easy pliant seat and firm graceful figure of her mistress, the strong
lengthy frame and beautiful proportions of the mare herself; but then
Brilliant felt so light and elastic under me, the day was so soft and
fresh, the country air so fragrant, and the dewdrops sparkling so
brilliantly on the leafless hedges, that my courage rose with my
spirits, and I felt as if I could ride anywhere or do anything in
sheer gladness of heart.

"Mr. Jones is very strict," said my companion, taking the brown mare
lightly on the curb, and putting her into a canter along a level piece
of sward by the roadside; "he declares he only takes charge of us
under the solemn promise that there is to be no _jumping_. For my
part, I never do what I am told, Kate; do you?"

"I always do as I like with John," said I; "but then I always _like_
to do what he wishes."

My cousin's sorrowful smile almost brought the tears into my eyes.

"I dare say he's quite right," rejoined Mrs. Lumley. "For my part,
I've no nerves left now. If you'll promise not to jump, I'll promise
too. What say you, Kate--is it a bargain?"

"Agreed," I replied; and just then a turn in the lane brought us into
full view of the meet of her Majesty's stag-hounds.

What a motley assemblage it was! At first I could not catch a glimpse
of the hounds themselves, or even the servants, for the crowd, mostly
of foot-people, that surrounded them. Where did these queer-looking
pedestrians come from? They were not agricultural labourers; they were
not townspeople, nor operatives, nor mechanics; they were the sort of
people that one never sees except on such an occasion as this. I
believe if I was in the habit of attending low pigeon matches, dog
fights, or steeplechases, in the "Harrow County," I should recognize
most of them enjoying the spectacle of such diversions. One
peculiarity I remarked amongst them, with scarcely an exception.
Although in the last stage of shabbiness, their clothes had all been
once of fashionable texture and good material; but they entirely
neglected the "unities" in their personal apparel. A broadcloth coat,
much the worse for wear, was invariably surmounted by a greasy cap;
whilst he who rejoiced in a beaver, usually battered in at the crown
and encircled by a tag of threadb