SELECTION. 123 



man has collected, without regard to toil or money, the 

 best horses in all Europe, solely for the pleasure of dis- 

 tributing them at nominal prices among his favourites and 

 friends. Oh, ecstasy ! *' the young gentleman " is per- 

 mitted to know that he is himself a member of that blissful 

 band — a Knight of Arthur's table. The good dealer has 

 "just such another young un of his own," and will forthwith 

 exhibit to his counterpart a splendid series of steeds, on 

 which his lad has won the principal steeplechases, and led 

 the clippingest runs of the season. How their coats shine 

 as the neat clothing glides smoothly from their glossy 

 quarters ! How they snort as they leave their stalls ! How 

 proudly they elevate (I disdain that puny monosyllable, 

 cock) their trim-cut, well-combed tails ; and how genially 

 the good dealer whispers to the young gentleman, with a 

 kindly nudge and wink, '' that's about all you'll let the field 

 see of him, if you buys him, and gets a start" ! And sup- 

 pose at this juncture you also whisper in the other ear, 

 *' try them, and take your choice." 



Or go with his pretty sister to some jeweller's glittering 

 store. Let him display to eyes far brighter than his 

 diamonds, and with a tender grace of manipulation which 

 tells how costly is his ware, casket after casket of lustrous 



