showed especial attention to the stranger. He had not
intended remaining longer than the following day: but the family
insisted on his taking part in a fox-hunt that was to come off on
the morning of the third day. Wishing to witness a scene as
interesting as the chase usually proves to be, he decided to
remain.
Fifteen persons, five of whom were ladies, were on the ground at
the appointed hour. Miss G. was, of course, one of the party. In
vain Jerome endeavored to excuse himself from joining in the
chase. His plea of ill-health was only met by smiles from the
young ladies, and the reply that a ride would effect a cure.
Dressed in a scarlet coat and high boots, with the low, round cap
worn in the chase, Jerome mounted a high-spirited horse, whip in
hand, and made himself one of the party. In America, riding is a
necessity; in England, it is a pleasure. Young men and women
attend riding-school in our fatherland, and consider that they are
studying a science. Jerome was no rider. He had not been on
horseback for more than ten years, and as soon as he mounted,
every one saw that he was a novice, and a smile was on the
countenance of each member of the company.
The blowing of the horn, and assembling of the hounds, and finally
the release of the fox from his close prison, were the signals for
the chase to commence. The first half-mile the little animal took
his course over a beautiful field where there was neither hedge
nor ditch. Thus far the chase was enjoyed by all, even by the
American rider, who was better fitted to witness the scene than to
take part in it.
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