As he is an excellent horseman, and understands farriery, I have
bought a stout gelding for his use, that he may attend us on the
road, and have an eye to our cattle, in case the coachman should
not mind his business. My nephew, who is to ride his own saddle-horse,
has taken, upon trial, a servant just come from abroad
with his former master, Sir William Strollop, who vouches for his
honesty. The fellow, whose name is Dutton, seems to be a petit
maitre. -- He has got a smattering of French, bows, and grins, and
shrugs, and takes snuff a la mode de France, but values himself
chiefly upon his skill and dexterity in hair-dressing. -- If I am
not much deceived by appearance, he is, in all respects, the very
contrast of Humphry Clinker.
My sister has made up matters with lady Griskin; though, I must
own, I should not have been sorry to see that connexion entirely
destroyed: but Tabby is not of a disposition to forgive Barton,
who, I understand, is gone to his seat in Berkshire for the
summer season. I cannot help suspecting, that in the treaty of
peace, which has been lately ratified betwixt those two females,
it is stipulated, that her ladyship shall use her best endeavours
to provide an agreeable help-mate for our sister Tabitha, who
seems to be quite desperate in her matrimonial designs.
Pages:
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283