The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1889-01-04

drove in, found US at the stables, which are
on either side of a paved court yard. On
the left are the carriage houses and on the
right the stables, fitted in hard wood. Each
horse has box stall, with its name painted
over the STALL The horses were faultlessly
groomed, saddled and bridled ready for the
days sport, and they seemed really to appre'
ciate their Importance 10 the chase. Order
and cleanliness prevailed and one might
wear white velvet here without the fear of
soiling it,
After inspecting the stables we returned to
the library to await the guests arrival.
Some came in walking costume, but most of
them in the regulation hunting dress of the
club, viz, bottle green cloth coat, brass but
tons, red vests, white breeches, high black
silk hat and top boots. The ladies who
rode in the hunt had green short riding
habits, high hats, standing collar, white era
vat and scarf pin. Soon the hunters break
fast was announced. In the drawing room
on the table, extending along the eastern
wall, refreshments were served to the guests
not members OF the club or those not taking
part in the chase. In the dining-room was
served to the club members and hunters, all
seated at tables extending the length of the
room, three in number, beautifully appoint
ed and supplied with every delicacy.
After an hour spent over the breakfast, in
speech making and toasts to which Mr..
Grcniell cOntrIbu ted an elegant and appro-
pirate one, orders were given to mount for
the chase The hounds and the whipperins
dressed in dark green velvet coats, brass but
tons, red vest, white breeches, top boots and
black velvet skull caps, with horns hung by
cords over the shoulder, assembled on the
graveled circle at the eastern side of the
house, and then the hunters, both ladies and
and gentlemen, mounted their horses and
rode oil TO the point Of starting the stag, some
two miles distant.
Mrs. Greniell with two other ladies, took
the Judge and myself in wagonette and
followed TO the starting point, reaching
which the stag, which was conveyed
there in close van like our prison vans,
was let out and the chase commenced
in good earnest. The hounds in full cry, the
blowing OF horns, whips cracking, the cry OF
the huntsmeu of there he goes" then over
fences and d'chcs, through meadow and lane
wood and subhle, then lost to view, again
appearing up the hill and through the valley
and so on and on tho chase continued.
We remained in the wagonette, following
as best we could by the adjacent carriage
roads for some two hours, through bcauIi-
ful country, and when the chase became
far distant we returned to the court for
lucheOn. Ga arriving there we were shown
TO rooms. Ascending by the grand stair
case we came upon landing, running around
the central court or hall, from which doors
open into the chambers, some thirty in num-
Der. These are tastefully furnished in white
and gold, scarlet and other cOlOrs. Luncheon
was announced by the sounding of CLINE
gong. 1t was served beautifully in the din
ing-roum, but after the first dish was served
the butler and assistants, retired and left us to
wait upon ourselves.
After luncheon Mrs. Grenfcll showed us
her boudoir, situsted at the southwest corner
OF the building, on tue second floor, furnish
ed in white, gold and yellow; tables, Seats
chairs, bookcases and cabinets filled with
unique, costly and pretty ornaments, with
all the little belongings that surround n
young lady from the commencement of
her career TO the settling down of her married
life. The windows command the view of II
beautiful picture, with Windsor Castle in the
distance.
Now Il walk through the woods and park
was suggested, over graded paths, with
flower beds on either side the flowers in
bloom, and then through the woods and over
close cut grass lanes, to a summer house,
known as the root house, being made of old
stumpS or roots of trees, situated upon the
edge Of the cliff of chalk, with the river
Thames winding along at It's base, from which
is grand view of the surrounding country
to the west.
Upon returning TO the house we found that
the chase was over and Mr.. Greniell await
ing us AT the door. Adjoining to the library,
five O'Clock tea was served and the chase
discussed.
Shortly the carriage to convey us to the
station for the train to London was an
nounced, but not until we had declined
hearty invitation TO remain for dinner The
train soon put us down in London, much
pleased with our days sport and the hospi-
ialty of Mr.. and Mrs. William II. Grenfcll, Of
Taplow Court, Maidenhead Bucks.
Mr.. Grenfell has since kindly sent me
beautiful photograph of the barriers which
also embraces himself on his huurer Game
Cock. JOHN w. STUMP NORRIS