78 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



unassuming manners, together with the reputation he 

 acquired as a scholar, he soon became as popular as his 

 brother in the society in which he moved. 



It is not my intention to follow the Rabys through all 

 the grades of the school : it is sufficient to say that they 

 both reached the fifth form with credit to themselves, as 

 well as to those who instructed them, and proceeded, in 

 due time, to Christchurch College, Oxford, although with 

 somewhat different views ; a first-class degree being the 

 grand object with Andrew ; a forward place with the 

 foxhounds, the principal desideratum of Francis the 

 honour of being considered a good fellow in the college, 

 and over the mahogany, standing next on his list of what 

 he considered accomplishments. 



CHAPTER V 



Christmas at the seat of " a fine old English gentleman," with its 

 appropriate accompaniments good company, good cheer, and 

 good sport. 



THE month of December, despite of frost and snow, is a 

 cheerful month in the house of a country gentleman 

 whose means are large, and consequently Christmas and 

 its festivities were well kept up at the Abbey. Even 

 customs of monkish introduction were observed, and the 

 interior of the mansion was decorated with holly branches, 

 from the fine mirrors in the saloons, to the stewpans and 

 crockery in the kitchen. Neither was the mistletoe for- 

 gotten, under the magic shade of which not a female in 

 the establishment, from the governess to the kitchen-maid, 

 escaped the usual and generally repeated salutation of 

 Frank Raby in this season of licence and conviviality, his 

 brother Andrew taking a part in the scene, but selecting a 

 chosen few. 



Ale had been brewed for the occasion, and there was 

 little limit to the drawing of it, short of actual abuse ; it 

 being the wish of Mr. Raby that the hearts of his depen- 

 dents should be gladdened, in proportion to his means of 

 gladdening them, at this festive season. 



It is now a commonplace observation, " How little 

 remains that poverty and innocence can partake of ; " and 



