272 



HUNTING. 



are softened, and are not permitted to become brutal — using 

 the words, of course, in a Pickwickian sense. 



But not to everyone does Diana grant her favours in this 

 liberal fashion. Putting out of the question those who are 

 governed by mere whims, there are many whom dire necessity 

 forbids to take their hunting pleasures from any place but 

 London. Men of business, to whom hunting is a relaxation ; 

 who follow it for health's sake ; or from a keen native love of 



' Down with you by train on a hunting morning 



the sport, that not all the smoke and soot, the din and hurry 

 of great Babylon can quench ; or for the sake of something to 

 do a little more stimulating than a ride up and down Rotten 

 Row, or a rubber of whist at their club ; or from whatever cause 

 you please. Men who are pinned down to this great centre of 

 gravity, and can leave it, except at the recognised season of 

 holiday, but for a few hours at a time. 



