The Merry Past 



Corinthians were not particularly well off, many, 

 indeed, were chronically hard up. Such a man was 

 the Irish baronet, a buck with more tenants than 

 acres, and more bogs than both, who had rattled 

 through life on that great principle of economy 

 which once induced a veteran dandy, in talking of 

 some person whom he disliked, to say, " A low fellow 

 that — damme, sir, I owe more than ever he was 

 worth." 



The baronet in question, who, as he used to boast, 

 certainly had not the soul of an accountant, for his 

 affairs were always in the greatest disorder, at last 

 determined to put things right by a good marriage, 

 and being agreeable enough, did actually succeed in 

 paying successful court to a lady of considerable 

 fortune. Settlements, however, were required, and 

 though the baronet agreed to settle his very unsettled 

 Irish property upon his fair intended, some extra 

 provision of ready cash was insisted upon by her 

 relatives. 



At his wits' end to raise the money, the buck 

 applied to a friend to furnish him with an introduction 

 to a well-known banker, who might possibly accom- 

 modate him. 



Going into the City, he stepped into the office with 

 a free, jaunty, dashing air, and asked for one of the 

 partners. 



It happened to be Rogers the banker poet's day 

 for business, and the baronet was ushered into that 

 curious character's sanctum. 



His easy demeanour and general appearance of a 



172 



