r; and when Master Brien showed a little
aversion to this comic performance, they were going to drag him into
the box _bon gre, mal gre_, till Bottom interposed and saved the men
and the horse from destroying each other.

We got safe to Middleham on Saturday night, the greatest part of the
way by rail. Scott has a splendid string of horses. These English
fellows do their work in tiptop style, only they think more of
spending money than they do of making it. I waited to see him out on
Monday, when he'd got a trot, and he was as bright as though he'd
never left the Curragh. Scott says he's a little too fine; but you
know of course he must find some fault. To give Igoe his due, he
could not be in better condition, and Scott was obliged to own that,
_considering where he came from_, he was very well. I came on here
on Tuesday, and have taken thirteen wherever I could get it, and
thought the money safe. I have got a good deal on, and won't budge
till I do it at six to one; and I'm sure I'll bring him to that. I
think he'll rise quickly, as he wants so little training, and as his
qualities must be at once known now he's in Scott's stables; so if
you mean to put any more on you had better do it at once.

So much for the stables. I left the other two at home, but have one
of my own string here, as maybe I'll pick up a match: and now I
wish to let you know a report that I heard this morning--at least
a secret, which bids fair to become a report. It is said that
Kilcullen is to marry F---- W----, and that he has already paid
Heaven only knows how many thousand pounds of debt with her money;
that the old earl has arranged it all, and that the beautiful
heiress has reluctantly agreed to be made a viscountess. I'm very
far from saying that I believe this; but it may suit you to know
that I heard the arrangement mentioned before two other persons, one
of whom was Morris;--strange enough this, as he was one of the set
at Handicap Lodge when you told them that the match with yourself
was still on. I have no doubt the plan would suit father and son;
you best know how far the lady may have been likely to accede. At
any rate, my dear Frank, if you'll take my advice, you'll not sit
quiet till she does marry some one. You can't expect she'll wear the
willow for you very long, if you do nothing yourself. Write to her
by post, and writ