The Merry Past 



He was twelve years abroad, and spent most of his 

 fortune before he returned home. He brought with 

 him an ItaHan servant, who was an excellent classic, 

 and also a dog, named Sereno, from that country. 

 In this creature's last sickness he was attended by a 

 medical man, and a nurse, who sat up with him several 

 nights in the last stage of his illness. The animal 

 had been a faithful companion, was a great favourite, 

 and as such his death was much regretted. 



He was fortunate as a lead-mine adventurer, and 

 a share he bought for ^80 he sold for an annuity of 

 120 guineas. He aimed at living long, being keen 

 in the pursuit of longevity, was very regular in the 

 economy of life, rode out or walked out every day 

 in good weather several miles before he dined. 

 He was temperate, and always kept his age a profound 

 secret, for the purpose of making advantageous con- 

 tracts in life-annuities. He was an adept in calcula- 

 tions of that sort. 



Walking Smith liked exercise, and was enamoured 

 of dancing, boasting that he had learned a dance 

 i^* France which cost him twelve guineas. He had 

 a rural fiddler, who was likewise a tailor, and played 

 to him occasionally when he was disposed to dance. 

 The musician's wages were sixpence, a pint of ale, 

 and bread and cheese. In summer, when he was on 

 a journey to dine, or visit a friend, he would quit 

 his horse, tie him to a gate, and dance a hornpipe 

 or two, to the no small astonishment of the passing 

 traveller, then resume his saddle and ride on. 



He was never known to join in field sports, but was 



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