66 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



is as bare of humour as a hurdle is of flesh ; and if Goodall 

 had a little more of the stoic about him at all events, a 

 little more firmness Eton would be none the worse as 

 a school. But, as you kindly ask me the question, I 

 candidly tell you, I had rather that the two boys should 

 not both go to the same school, and I will give you my 

 reason. Frank, though not wanting in parts, is disposed 

 to do as little as he can possibly help with Mr. Egerton, 

 and I am much afraid that if he were at Eton, with his 

 brother, he would coax him into making his exercises for 

 him, which his naturally affectionate disposition would, 

 I am sure, induce him to do. You are aware, brother, of 

 my intentions towards Frank. I not only mean to leave 

 him what I am possessed of, but it is my earnest wish that 

 he should sit in Parliament, and make a figure in the 

 world, in some other way than as a mere sportsman, which, 

 it is evident, he is resolved to be." 



The door of the library opening at this moment, the 

 conversation between the brothers was momentarily in- 

 terrupted by the appearance of a neighbour, who was on 

 terms of the greatest intimacy with them both. This 

 was Mr. Freemantle, a rich London banker, who had 

 purchased a fine property in the county, where he was 

 beloved and respected by all for the kindness and 

 hospitality which he displayed, as well as for the first-rate 

 talents of his cook. 



" Raby," said the banker, " how are you ? What ! 

 Andrew, are you here ? Delighted to see you both ; but 

 didn't know you were come down, Andrew. What news 

 from town, eh ? How could you find it in your heart to 

 leave town at this gay time ? " 



' Why, you may suppose that it is something extra- 

 ordinary. The fact is, we are discussing the point 

 whether Eton or Westminster school is best suited for 

 Frank. Xow, what say you ? " 



" Why, as to what boys may bring away in their heads 

 from either, I don't think there is the toss-up of a guinea 

 between the two ; but, as to what they may bring away 

 in their pockets, there is a wide difference between them. 

 A terribly aristocratic place is that Eton school, and I'll 

 give you a proof or two. When my nephews were there, 

 I gave them a five-pound note on the Friday, as I passed 

 through to visit a friend at Taplow ; and on my return 

 to town on the Monday, chanced to see one of them at Salt 



