e, instead of a stirrup leather, passed round his neck,
half-a-dozen men managed to haul the horse on to his legs again; but
the pitchy darkness rendered the repair of damages an exceedingly
difficult task. The horses, moreover, even when once more in their
proper position, declined to move, but the gentlemen pushed and the
drivers flogged and shouted, and very slowly and with many stops we
ultimately reached the end of that stage. Here we found a young horse,
who had no idea at all of harness; so after a vain attempt to utilise
his services, another was sent for, thus causing further delay.

It was now nine o'clock, and we were all utterly exhausted. We managed
to procure from a cottage some new-laid eggs and cold spring water,
and these eaten raw, with a little brandy from a hunting-flask, seemed
to refresh us all. There was again a difficulty in starting, but, once
fairly under way, the road was not so steep and the horses went
better. I was now so tired, and had grown so accustomed to hairbreadth
escapes, that, however near we went to the edge of the precipice, I
did not feel capable of jumping out, but sat still and watched
listlessly, wondering whether we should really go over or not. After
many delays we reached Head-quarter House, where the warmth of the
welcome our old friend gave us soon made us forget how tired we were.
They had waited dinner until half-past seven, and had then given us
up. There were blazing wood fires both in the drawing-room and in our
bedroom, and in five minutes a most welcome dinner was put before us.
Afterwards we could have stayed and chatted till midnight, but we were
promptly sent off to bed, and desired to reserve the rest of our news
until morning.

_Tuesday, April 3rd_.--A ten o'clock breakfast afforded us ample
opportunity for a delicious rest and letter-writing beforehand.
Afterwards we strolled round the garden, full of English flowers,
roses, carnations, mignonette, and sweet peas. Tom and the gentlemen
went for a walk, whilst we ladies rested and chatted and wrote
letters.

After lunch we all started--a large party--to go to the athletic
sports on the racecourse, where an impromptu sort of grand stand had
been erected--literally a stand, for there were no seats. There were a
great many people, and the regimental band played very well. To us it
appeared a warm damp day, although the weather was much cooler than
any we have felt lately. This is _the_ week of the year, and e