for many days been changing from black to blue, and from blue to yellow. Had the ball struck him behind his ear, or on the temple, he might never have sat on the throne.

"" Since I saw you last

There is a change upon you."

SHAKESPERE.

CHAPTER NINETEEN 1856

O

N my return to Edinburgh in 1856, after my sojourn in Switzerland, I found a marked change in the dress of both sexes. In the case of the ladies, the bonnet still ruled as the formality head-dress, although there was some relaxation. Hats might be worn by the young in the country, and gradually came to be seen even in town, except when calling or going to church. But for any "function" the bonnet was de rigueur. I have known a lady, when going to a week-day church service, make a point of first returning home, and changing from hat to bonnet. On Sunday nothing else was permissible. Even later, in the Sixties, I was considered to be proposing something shocking in suggesting that the bridesmaids at my own marriage should wear hats. Some of them liked the idea, but, “Oh, my dear, it would never do, people would be shocked," was the verdict of the duennas. I was before my time, judging by what I see now, and see with gratification.

As regards men's attire, the sternness of fashion was as great. The first out-of-doors game which ever brought the sexes together was croquet. What was the fate of the poor man who, even in the country, was tied up by etiquette when he went by invitation to a croquet party. Frock-coat and tall hat were imperative. Many a game have I played in broiling weather, with the perspiration running into my eyes from the impervious brim

of the silk hat. All was against us, and we used wickedly to say that the crinoline of the ladies was a handicap in their favour, as under cover of the wide expanse of skirts, balls could easily be moved nearer the face of a hoop. It may have been libellous, but not in every case, I think. Anything more nonsensical than playing an outdoor game in such garb cannot be imagined for either sex. But had any one of us appeared in a shooting-jacket, it would have been: "Oh, my dear, did you see Mr. Cool-an absolute want of sense of propriety," with the hand held up, wrist projected forward, as ladies do when they wish to express the waving off of something as being almost too objectionable for words.

Talking of croquet, the young had much reason to congratulate themselves on the introduction of the game. It is a pastime in which there is room for much skill, and is the game of all others in which old and young can join. No doubt few young people play it to-day. But the greatest boon it conferred on society was that it broke the ice of convention, by which there was no outdoor amusement in which both sexes could join, as has been said above. It led to the possibility of the introduction of lawn-tennis, the game of games for the country lawn and the town court. And not only is the good social. No one can doubt that in many a case gain in health and strength has followed the bright exhilarating enjoyment of