187S— 70.] AT HOME IN A STORM. 259 



Leguile the time. For tlie liours tlirown suddenly on hands, 

 idle only because they are disappointed of a fully i)lanned 

 enq)loynient, are sure to be wasted — or at best consumed in 

 light and frivolous occupation. My day, I'll venture odds, 

 will answer in the main to that of a few score of others similarl}'- 

 placed — with the object of killing time thus unexpectedly thrust 

 upon them. Breakfast as arranged overnight, as late as con- 

 sistent with the meet (or rather later). After breakfi:ist a 

 cigarette against a storm-beaten window — the prosjiect as black 

 and hopeless as may be — the tempest raging pitilessly from the 

 north — and horses counterordered — one only to be kept in 

 readiness should a very unlikely change for the better transjiire. 

 Did ver}' little all morning, except get out blotting book, and 

 spread writing-material pretentiously all round ; mended two 

 pens ; paid frequent visits to the window, ejaculated freel}' 

 when there, and hoped aloud that Tom Firr wouldn't be out 

 on a day so admirably in fjivour of lumbago. Breakfast ap- 

 l)arently scarcely over when luncheon was announced. Now, if 

 there is one process less than all others in keeping with the 

 habits and instinct of an active man it is sitting down cit 

 famille to a hot luncheon as part of the business of the da}'. 

 It is good neither physically nor intellectually, at the time nor 

 in its effects. He is fully aware of this, hates himself during 

 commission of the sin, and still more afterwards — and yet will 

 fall a victim again as soon as temptation offers. After luncheon 

 a banging big cigar, an easy chair and the paper, and to sleep. 

 Woke in a bad temper because people would talk and laugh 

 in the daytime ; and so settled sullenly down to the bills. 

 Docketed them neatly ; and put them away comfortably to 

 await further orders. A cup of tea now. Drew a covert or 

 two, found a fox and killed him handsomel}' in the drawing 

 room, to the great edification of the terriers and with splendid 

 accompaniment of voice and horn. Got turned out of this ; 

 so sat down and went in for letter-writing. Began each with 

 the remark that one had been too busy to answer his or 

 hers before, told him or her that post was going, begged that 



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