96 CONVERSATION. 



pertaining to his own profession, or his 

 family, his birthplace, or a scene in which 

 he himself has played a prominent part. 

 He will describe a law-suit, a speech in 

 parliament, his introduction at Court, his 

 first appearance at the fives-court, the 

 management of his tenants, his travels 

 abroad, or the number of his phea- 

 sants. 



Such topics would at once announce 

 to you that your companion was an 

 aristocrat of the highest order, and 

 you would listen with profound attention 

 to the many wonders he was condescend- 

 ing to unfold to you. But there were 

 persons of all grades, whose profession 

 and station in life you could readily 

 ascertain from their conversation. 



It is said of Sheridan, the great wit, 

 orator, poet, and playwright, that he once 

 made a bet with one of those exalted 

 members of the senate with whom he 



