One sheet of drizzling rain surrounded us all through the journey, and
none were sorry when, after a side slip or two, the coaches drew up (not
before it was quite dark) outside the estancia house. A change into dry
garments was very welcome, and there was to be noticed for the first
time since the start of the Tacuruers, a dull air of respectability
over the party, as they collected for their evening meal.
Shirt fronts and pretty frocks appeared once more, for here we had a
lady presiding over the table. Still the old proverb proved true "Fine
feathers do not make fine birds," and some members of the party did not
live up to their costumes. It may have been the good dinner, or the
genial glow of a fire that upset their behaviour, but the fact remains
that there were two or three unusual occurrences during the course of a
merry meal. The Kid was observed to be burying her face in a spoonful of
jelly, and others seemed to be performing a sort of a general post
during the repast. However, all ended well, and after coffee various
home pets were introduced by our hostess, who is a devoted lover of
animals. A nutria appeared and some friendly dogs, and we heard of tame
foxes and diminutive ponies to be seen next day. It was a great regret
to everyone that The Delineator did not put in an appearance for dinner;
he pleaded headache and retired to bed early, perhaps in the hope of
getting some sleep before The Instigator came to share the room.
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