8 SCREWS. 



"bring me the brandy," the heavy salver, on which 

 was engraved the arms of the family with its crystal 

 companions, and the stimulating liquor made its ap- 

 pearance ; he swallowed half a tumbler full at a 

 draught ; " so," cried he, " being gone, I am a man 

 again !" 



" Shall I take away the brandy, sir," said the valet, 

 " No, Pettatt, leave it," said Fred. ; "and if Dawson 

 is below, send him up." 



The stud groom made his appearance ; the well-tied 

 white cravat, black Newmarket coat, symmetrically 

 cut light-drab breeches and gaiters, bespoke the 

 superior order of servant, as with a respectful saluta- 

 tion to his master, he awaited his commands. 

 " Well, Dawson, how are the screws ?" 

 This may appear a somewhat slang address from a 

 man of fashion to his servant ; but where a master 

 places confidence in his servant in matters that if 

 brought to light would not redound much to the 

 master's credit, the proper distance between them is 

 soon lost : so it was in this case. 



Fred. Manderville was not much out in denomina- 

 ting his stud screws ; they were mostly such. He had 

 began life as a man of fortune, a man of honour, and a 

 sportsman ; but the wary and the depraved had soon, 

 by precept and example, taught him to feel that the 

 sports of the field, and the ordinary amusements of 

 the gentleman, were dull and vapid when compared 

 with others that a life of reckless London expenditure 

 affords for a few fleeting years to those who blindly 

 follow its heedless course. Fred., with an establishment 

 three times as expensive as his property in his best 

 days could have warranted him in keeping, was at 

 the age of thirty all but a ruined man ; constant ap- 



