THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



tributed, with others, equally fond of the ribbons as myself, 

 towards the connnencement of a new era amongst coachmen 

 and o-uards. From the notice taken of them by gentlemen, 

 they appear to be endeavouring to make themselves worthy of 

 their regard and protection ; and if such should prove the case, 

 I shall never regret the many hundred guineas they have 

 received from me. Neither is the obligation all on one side. I 

 have been indebted to them for much amusement, which I 

 could not have enjoyed but with their permission ; and it must 

 be remembered that they gave me that permission at the risk 

 of losing their places. But you are very fond of hunting, as 

 well as dri\ing, Mr. Raby. I know all about you from Har- 

 grave, who is the son of a friend of my father's, and a really 

 good fellow too." 



Frank. — ' I am very fond of both ; but am afraid I shall not 

 be able to enjoy them, or even one of them, in perfection.' 



Webber. — ' And why not ? ' 



Frank — ' I shall not be able to aiford the expenses. I fear 

 I shall not be content with the common run of countries, after 

 what I have heard of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire; 

 and, fond as I am of road-work, I should like to have a team 

 of my own.' 



Webber. — ' Oh ! no fear. By what I have heard, from 

 Hargrave and others, you have a rich old uncle, at whose death 

 you will succeed to a very large property, chiefly in mono}', 

 and that the worthy gentleman is not likely to be long-lived. 

 That being the case, you will not want for money in this town 

 of London, for there are plenty of money-lending rascals 

 who will advance you what sum you may recpiire on your 

 expectations. Besides, no doubt, your father will leave you 

 a good ' 



Sir John. — 'Hold hard, there, Webber; I don't like the 

 post-obit system at all. Remember what liappened to New- 

 land, who was at Oxford with me. Besides, although I think 

 it very probable that Raby's father will leave oin- young friend 

 the Hopewell estate, which is not entailed, you must be 

 aware that his expectations from his uncle are merely expec- 

 tations. It is still possible he may maiT3% and have children, 

 whicli, of course, il/o.s-e.s' would take into the calculation ; in 

 ^vhich case, the raising money by post-obit would be most 

 ruinous.' 



113 H 



