238 THE HAUGHTY SHIRE HUNT. 



at all impressed by the performance ; in fact, that she had 

 delivered herself of one or two most unpleasant remarks upon 

 the subject. He had not appeared as a hero to her, at all ; 

 and this was a very annoying circumstance for Mr. Binkie, 

 who, as we have said, rode entirely for the sake of the glory 

 attaching to the wearing of racing colours — and that gentle- 

 man enjoyed no monopoly of the idea, as most people who 

 know anything of racing matters could testify. 



"I really don't think Luty quite appreciates me as she 

 ought. And it's so doosid funny, too, 'cause I'm sure she 

 worshipped me when I stayed at Catchem Court — before I 

 asked her to marry me ! " 



Ah, friend Travers ! isn't that often the way of the world ? 

 It fawns upon you as long as its desires are left unfulfilled — 

 but the moment you grant the favour, whatever it may be, 

 that it wishes, away goes the deprecating manner, the air of 

 implied deference, the spurious affection. And the lower the 

 social grade of the would-be recipient of your favour, the 

 more certain you may be of his ingratitude. ' Set a beggar 



on horseback ' and we all know the rest of the saying. 



Although the last words of the argument do not apply to this 

 particular case, it was nevertheless a fact, that having received 

 Travers's offer, the fair Luty did not deem it at all necessary to 

 keep up any show of affection for her victim, and Mr. Binkie 

 was just beginning to open his codfish-like eyes to the truth. 



"Now, Tottie " — and here he heaved a deep sigh, like the 

 noise emitted by a blast furnace — " Now, Tottie always did 

 appreciate me ; but she's cut up rough, and it's really awfully 

 beastly, you know, altogether," said our friend to himself 

 ruefully. 



