If the Clansman were "put
on," probably the great house would not contain the strangers who
would arrive!
We were sitting in the library one morning when Mr. M., of Timaru,
N.Z., rode up with an introduction, and was of course cordially
welcomed. He goes on to England, where you will doubtless cross-
question him concerning my statements. During his visit a large
party of us made a delightful expedition to the Hanapepe Falls, one
of the "lions" of Kauai. It is often considered too "rough" for
ladies, and when Mrs. --- and I said we were going, I saw Mr. M.
look as if he thought we should be a dependent nuisance; I was
amused afterwards with his surprise at Mrs. ---'s courageous
horsemanship, and at his obvious confusion as to whether he should
help us, which question he wisely decided in the negative.
If "happiness is atmosphere," we were surely happy. The day was
brilliant, and as cool as early June at home, but the sweet, joyous
trade-wind could not be brewed elsewhere than on the Pacific. The
scenery was glorious, and mountains, trees, frolicsome water, and
scarlet birds, all rioted as if in conscious happiness. Existence
was a luxury, and reckless riding a mere outcome of the animal
spirits of horses and riders, and the thud of the shoeless feet as
the horses galloped over the soft grass was sweeter than music.
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