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.
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