such as intervals of relaxation from labour, that I had drawn out
my family to our usual place of amusement, and our young
musicians began their usual concert. As we were thus engaged, we
saw a stag bound nimbly by, within about twenty paces of where we
were sitting, and by its panting, it seemed prest by the hunters.
We had not much time to reflect upon the poor animal's distress,
when we perceived the dogs and horsemen come sweeping along at
some distance behind, and making the very path it had taken. I
was instantly for returning in with my family; but either
curiosity or surprize, or some more hidden motive, held my wife
and daughters to their seats. The huntsman, who rode foremost,
past us with great swiftness, followed by four or five persons
more, who seemed in equal haste. At last, a young gentleman of a
more genteel appearance than the rest, came forward, and for a
while regarding us, instead of pursuing the chace, stopt short,
and giving his horse to a servant who attended, approached us
with a careless superior air. He seemed to want no introduction,
but was going to salute my daughters as one certain of a kind
reception; but they had early learnt the lesson of looking
presumption out of countenance. Upon which he let us know that
his name was Thornhill, and that he was owner of the estate that
lay for some extent round us. He again, therefore, offered to
salute the female part of the family, and such was the power of
fortune and fine cloaths, that he found no second repulse. As his
address, though confident, was easy, we soon became more
familiar; and perceiving musical instruments lying near, he
begged to be favoured with a song. As I did not approve of such
disproportioned acquaintances, I winked upon my daughters in
order to prevent their compliance; but my hint was counteracted
by one from their mother; so that with a chearful air they gave