Kenelm Chillingly, Book 3.

my dear reader, were to be personally presented to that gentleman as he now stands, the central figure of the group gathered round him,

, and, from the quiet placidity of its expression, conveys at first glance the notion of almost womanlike mildness,-it would be difficult to recognize a man who in youth had been renowned for reckless dari

t sons do not often make as great a figure in the world as their younger brothers, it is not because their minds are less cultivated, but because they have less motive power for action. George Belvoir was well read, especially in that sort of reading which befits a future senator,-history, statistics, political economy, so far as that dismal science is compatible with the agricultural interest. He was also well-principled, had a strong sense of discipline and duty, was prepared in politics firmly to uphold as right whatever was proposed

. Campion and three ladies, the wives of neighbouring squires. Cecilia stood a little apart fro

denly that green space, ten minutes ago so

directions. The herds and flocks in the various enclosures stopped grazing to stare at the unwonted invaders of their pasture: yet the orderly nature of their host imparted a respect for order to his

ull of whims and crotchets, and if you once brush his feathers the wrong way he will be as vindictive as a parrot. Bu

. Steen is the best man to second me

eech: 'Brother Electors, for twenty years I have been one of the judges at our county cattle-show. I know one animal from another. Looking at the specimens

teen does not err on the side of flattery in his commendations of a candidate. But w

than once been summoned to give his opinion on such subjects to Committees of both Houses of Parliament. Here he comes. Observe, when I leave you to talk to him: firstly, that you confess utter ignorance of practical farming; nothing enrages him like the presumption of a gentleman farmer like myself: secondly, that you ask his opinion on the publication of Agricultural Statistics, just modestly intimating

e straw again, Squire.

e introduce

ir offers

't give my hand at first sight to a man who wants to shake a vote out of it. Not that I know anything agains

ers gave him a nudge, as much as to say, "Hold your tongue." George understood the

Travers's tenants, but of farmers and their families within the range of eight

ing peasants at feeding-time, as if they were so many tamed animals of an inferior species. When he entertained work-people,

ravers, "where is the young gl

He has suddenly given me the slip: 'abiit, evasit, erupit.

n some guest of mine w

w. But I think you will be pleased with him; that is, if he can be f

y mistress, Squire, and my th

ing to Saunderson junior), "I suppose you are fond of danc

junior, with an air of austere superiority to an am

journ to the marquee. George" (Mr. Belvoir, escaped from Mr. Steen, had just made his appearance

can't pretend to say, but he seems bent upon teaching me not to honour mine. Having taken away my father's moral character upon the unfounded allegation that he loved rabbits better than mankind, he then assailed my innoc

opportunity to tell me that my father was an impostor in pretending to be a judge of cattle; that he was a tyrant, screwing his tenants in order to indulge extravagant habits of hospitality; and im

ced the quadrille, "I take encouragement from the belief that I have the good w

if women had votes, I suspect there would be very little peace in any hou

advocates for female suffrage would limit it to women independent of masculine c

till generally go by the opinion of some man they rel

the good sens

half the things appertaining to daily life, the wisest men say, 'Better leav

of the dance, "do you know a Mr. Chillingly, th

y do yo

s just as Mr. Steen was bearing me away down that planta

tleman of that name as being likely to stand for Westshire at the next election, but wh

ed covert jests either on the subject or the examiners. It is a dangerous thing to set up as a humourist in practical life,-especially public life. They say Mr. Pitt had naturally a great deal of wit and humour, but he wisely suppressed any

if intentional. But perhaps he was

a good deal about the country on foot. I have seen him in by-lanes a dozen miles distant from the town when I have been riding back from the bunt. He was fond of the water, and pulled a mighty strong oar, but declined to belong to our University crew; yet if ever there was a fight between undergraduates and bargemen, he was s

re of him," said Cecilia. "I wish we d

rge melancholy eyes, and with one of those spare slender figures which enable a

on, and the speakers were now walking slowl

ietly he puts that shy young farmer at his ease, and now how kindly he deposits that lame old lady on the bench, and pl

ssed along. About the man there was a certain indescribable elegance, a natural suavity free from all that affectation, whether of forced heartiness or condescending civility, which too often characterizes the well-meant efforts of provincial magnates to accommodate themselves to pe

ung man who did us the inestimable service of punishing your ferocious parishioner, Tom Bowles; and all I hear so confirms the

hope you will take his generous desire to serve my

lf; for I hold courage in such honour that I do not like a brave man to leave these parts with an impression that Leopold Travers is an ungracious churl. However, he may not have gone. I will go and look for him myself. Just te