326 NIMROD'S HUNTING TOUR 



that I have too often met with in my walks through life ; and on the 

 evening previous to hunting days, the groom frequently makes his 

 appearance in Lord Cleveland's drawing-room, to receive his orders 

 from his master's lips. I now want the aid of the pencil ; for a 

 Hogarth or a Bunbury would not have desired a better subject 

 for their fancy than Tommy Hodgson would have afforded on 

 these occasions. I will endeavour to describe the scene as I 

 witnessed it. 



The door opened with an announcement of " Mr. Hodgson, my 

 Lord ; " and in walked Tommy Hodgson, presenting a full front to 

 his master. No soldier on parade could present a better ; no gate- 

 post was ever straighter ; no Shakspeare's apothecary was leaner ; 

 and the succession of lines from the forehead to the chin too plainly 

 shewed that age had traced his cruel way over Tommy's honest face. 

 Not a word escaped him until the Marquis took his card''' out of his 

 pocket, and then the dialogue began. It was a rare specimen of the 

 laconic : — 



Is Moses sound ? 



Yes, my Lord. 



I shall ride him. 



Yes, my Lord. 



Also Bergami. 



Yes, my Lord. 



Dick, Swvirj. 



Yes, my Lord. 



Will, Salopian. 



Yes, my Loid. 



Lady Cleveland, Baby. 



Yes, my Lord. 



Edward, The Parson. 



Yes, my Lord. 



Lady Arabella, The Duchess. 



Yes, my Lord. 



George, Ohadiah. 



* List of Hunters, which his Lordship has every day presented to him, noting 

 such horses as are fit for work. 



