atch of
sight-seers into your grounds in a hurry."

"The ill-luck has all befallen our guests," said Heathcote. "Our share
of the mishap is to be associated with so much calamity."

All that care and kindness could provide waited on Mrs. Morris, as she
was carried into the villa and laid on a bed. May Leslie took all upon
herself, and while the doctor was sent for, used such remedies as she
had near. It was at once decided that she should not be removed, and
after some delay the company departed without her; the day that had
dawned so pleasantly thus closing in gloom and sadness, and the party so
bent on amusement returned homeward depressed and dispirited.

[Illustration: 066]

"They 're mean vicious, these Alp dogs, and never to be trusted," said
Quackinboss.

"Heroines will be heroines," said Mrs. Morgan, gruffly.

"Or rather won't be heroines when the occasion comes for it. She fainted
off like a school-girl," growled out Morgan.

"I should think she did!" muttered Mosely, "when she felt the beast's
teeth in her."

"A regular day of misfortunes!" repeated Agincourt.

"And we lost the elegant fine luncheon, too, into the bargain," said
O'Shea. "Every one seemed to think it wouldn't be genteel to eat after
the disaster."

"It is the fate of pleasure parties," said Layton, moodily. And so they
jogged on in silence.

And thus ended a day of pleasure, as many have ended before it.

Assuredly, they who plan picnics are not animated by the spirit of an
actuary. There is a marvellous lack of calculation in their composition,
since, of all species of entertainment, there exists not one so much at
the mercy of accident, so thoroughly dependent for success on everything
going right. Like the Walcheren expedition, the "wind must not only blow
from the right point, but with a certain graduated amount of force."
What elements of sunshine and shade, what combinations of good spirits
and good temper and good taste! what guidance and what moderation, what
genius of direction and what "respect for minorities"! We will not enter
upon the material sources of success, though, indeed, it should be owned
they are generally better looked to, and more cared for, than the moral
ingredients thus massed and commingled.

It was late when the party reached the Bagni, and, wishing each other a
half-cold good-night, separated.

And now, one last peep at the villa, where we have left the sufferer. It
was not until evening that the