Lawrence, a little below Montreal. They found the river completely
frozen over, the cold being intense, but the ice-bridge had only
just been formed, and the surface was rough and uneven, causing the
sleigh to oscillate fearfully, threatening every moment to overturn.
The storm had by this time increased to a perfect hurricane, and the
drifting snow was driven with intense force into the faces of both
men and horses, causing the latter to bound and gallop fearfully, to
the extreme peril of those behind them. O'Grady, however, was a
skillful driver, and kept the horses well in hand, calling to them
from time to time in a reassuring manner; as for Churchill, he rather
enjoyed the little spice of danger, and, as conversation was out of
the question, he lit a cigar, and, drawing the buffalo-robes tightly
round him, made himself as comfortable as possible. In a short time
they arrived at their destination, and throwing the reins to the
groom, O'Grady dashed up stairs and in an instant had his wife in
his arms. She remonstrated with him about coming in on such a
terrible day, but descended to the drawing-room, and, having welcome
Mr. Churchill to her house, ordered the servant to set the table for
dinner. Just then the groom entered the house to enquire when the
carriage would be required in the evening, and the appearance of his
nose set the whole party laughing heartily; his proboscis had
assumed a deep red hue, and was swollen to an enormous size, giving
him a most comical appearance. O'Grady ordered him to bring the
carriage round at ten o'clock, and, dinner just then being announced,
they prepared, in true English fashion, to celebrate the Nativity.

After dinner, Mrs. O'Grady entertained the gentlemen with music, and,
having chatted on various topics very pleasantly they were aroused
to the fact that the evening social intercourse must draw to an end
by the clanging of the door-bell announcing the arrival of the groom