XV. 



A HUNTSMAN. 



That it is a rare and extraordinary occurrence to meet 

 an entirely liappy and contented man is a proposition 

 which few will be inclined to dispute. 



Which of us has his heart's desire, or, having it, 

 is satisfied ? the greatest of moralists has asked, and 

 experience daily proves the truth of the reflection. If 

 we only came into possession of that estate ; if our 

 horse only won his race and landed the gorgeous odds ; 

 if Matilda would only beatify us with her sweet 

 consent ! 



The estate becomes yours, and you are bored to 

 death by duties and annoyances arising from it : that 

 endless lawsuit about a couple of worthless fields — you 

 must go through with it, for you won't be swindled — 

 that question of common right, the grossness or snob- 

 bishness of all the neighbours within reach, are a few 

 of the matters that daily cause you trouble and anxiety. 

 The horse wins his race : you decide on one final 

 plunge with the proceeds, and lose it all ; while as for 

 Matilda, well, there is no denying that Matilda has the 

 deuce of a temper. 



