nd if Mr. Newton wanted something specially good for the next
season,--as of course he would,--Mr. Horsball had just the horse that
would suit him. "You'll about want a couple more, Mr. Newton," said
Mr. Horsball.

Then Ralph told something of his plans to this Master of the
Studs,--something, but not much. He said nothing of the sale of his
property, and nothing quite definite as to that one horse with which
his hunting was to be done for the future. "I'm going to turn over a
new leaf, Horsball," he said.

"Not going to be spliced, squire?"

"Well;--I can't say that I am, but I won't say that I ain't. But I'm
certainly going to make a change which will take me away from your
fatherly care."

"I'm sorry for that, squire. We think we've always taken great care
of you here."

"The very best in the world;--but a man must settle down in the world
some day, you know. I want a nice bit of land, a hundred and fifty
acres, or something of that sort."

"To purchase, squire?"

"I don't care whether I buy it or take it on lease. But it mustn't be
in this county. I am too well known here, and should always want to
be out when I ought to be looking after the stock."

"You'll take the season out of yourself first, at any rate," said Mr.
Horsball. Ralph shook his head, but Mr. Horsball felt nearly sure
of his customer for the ensuing winter. It is not easy for a man to
part with four horses, seven or eight saddles, an establishment of
bridles, horsesheets, spurs, rollers, and bandages, a pet groom,
a roomful of top boots, and leather breeches beyond the power of
counting. This is a wealth which it is easy to increase, but of which
it is very difficult to get quit.

"I think I shall sell," said Ralph.

"We'll talk about that in April," said Mr. Horsball.

He went out cub-hunting three or four times, and spent the
intermediate days playing dummy whist with Fred Pepper and Cox,--who
was no longer a lieutenant. Ralph felt that this was not the sort of
beginning for his better life which would have been most appropriate;
but then he hardly had an opportunity of beginning that better life
quite at once. He must wait till something more definite had been
done about the property,--and, above all things, till Sir Thomas
should be back from canvassing. He did, however, so far begin
his better life as to declare that the points at whist must be
low,--shilling points, with half-a-crown on the rubber. "Quite
enough for this kind of