Cintra, better than any part of Italy, and possessed of one
great advantage,--few of our rambling countrymen. N------
commended your haunch so highly, and took such pains to
record his praises, that I suspect he looks for a repetition
of the favor. If you _are_ shooting bucks, perhaps you would
send him a quarter.

Two sentences, half finished and erased, here showed that the writer
experienced a difficulty in continuing. Indeed, his flurried manner as
he resumed the letter proved it. At last he went on:--

I hate asking favors, my dear Sydney, but there is one
which, if not positively repugnant to you to grant, will
much oblige me. There is a young millionnaire here, a Mr.
Cashel, wishes to be a member of your Yacht Club; and as I
have given a promise to make interest in his behalf with
you, it would be conferring a great obligation on me were I
to make the request successfully. So far as I can learn,
there is no reason against his admission, and, as regards
property, many reasons in his favor. If you can do this for
me, then, you will render me a considerable service.

Of course I do not intend to fix any acquaintanceship upon
you, nor in any other way, save the bean in the ballot-box,
and a civil word in proposing, inflict you with what Rigby
calls "Protective Duties." I should have been spaced in
giving you this trouble but for Tom Linton, who, with his
accustomed good nature at other men's cost, suggested the
step to Cashel, and told him, besides, that my brother was
vice-admiral of the yacht fleet.

If Emily wants a match for the chestnut pony, I know of one
here perfect in every respect, and to be had very cheap. Let
me know about this soon, and also the club matter, as I have
promised to visit Cashel at his country-house; and in case
of refusal on your part, this would be unpleasant Thanks for
your invitation for Christmas, which I cannot accept of.
Hope and Eversham are both on leave, so that I must remain
here. N------continues to ask you here; but my advice is,
as it has ever been, not to come. The climate detestable,--
the houses dull and dirty; no shooting, nor any hunting,--
at least with such horses as you are accustomed to ride.

I am glad you took my counsel about the mortgage. There is
no property here worth se