THE REV. JOHN RUSSELL. 87 



a racy tongue like Russell's, still, when written, 

 they are very apt to meet the reader's eye 

 with a lifeless and blunted effect. 



There can be little doubt that the friendship 

 and example of a man like the vicar of Know- 

 stone did not only influence Russell at the very 

 outset of his professional career, but, in all 

 likelihood, biassed the whole course of his after 

 life. To a young man, socially inclined and 

 fond of hunting, the attraction of Fronde's 

 company must have been irresistible ; for 

 Froude was witty, original, hospitable ; and, 

 moreover, exercised a kind of mysterious power, 

 such as men of strong will are known to 

 possess, over those with whom he associated. 

 Above all, he had a crack pack of hounds, 

 and was himself, as Russell described him, a 

 " first-rate sportsman." 



This rare quality, had he possessed no other 

 fascination, would have been alone sufficient to 

 charm Russell's heart ; ay, and to lead him, as 

 it did from that day forth, into a willing and 

 life-long captivity. 



