Church-and-Stateism. The
burlier of the two was even rather a beau in his way. He had first
learned to dress, indeed, when Bond Street was at its acme, and Brummell
in his pride. He still retained in his garb the fashion of his youth;
only what then had spoken of the town, now betrayed the life of the
country. His neckcloth ample and high, and of snowy whiteness, set off
to comely advantage a face smooth-shaven, and of clear florid hues; his
coat of royal blue, with buttons in which you might have seen yourself
"veluti in speculum", was rather jauntily buttoned across a waist that
spoke of lusty middle age, free from the ambition, the avarice, and the
anxieties that fret Londoners into thread-papers; his small-clothes,
of grayish drab, loose at the thigh and tight at the knee, were made by
Brummell's own breeches-maker, and the gaiters to match (thrust half-way
down the calf), had a manly dandyism that would have done honour to
the beau-ideal of a county member. The profession of this gentleman's
companion was unmistakable,--the shovel-hat, the clerical cut of the
coat, the neckcloth without collar, that seemed made for its accessory
the band, and something very decorous, yet very mild, in the whole mien
of this personage, all spoke of one who was every inch the gentleman and
the parson.

"No," said the portlier of these two persons,--"no, I can't say I like
Frank's looks at all. There's certainly something on his mind. However,
I suppose it will be all out this evening."

"He dines with you at your hotel, Squire? Well, you must be kind to him.
We can't put old heads upon young shoulders."

"I don't object to his bead being young," returned the squire; "but I
wish he had a little of Randal Leslie's good sense in it. I see how
it will end; I must take him back to the country; and if he wants
occupation, why, he shall keep the hounds, and I'll put him into
Brooksby farm."

"As for the hounds," replied the parson, "hounds necessitate horses; and
I think more mischief comes to a young man of spirit from the stables
than from any other place in the world. They ought to be exposed from
the pulpit, those stables!" added Mr. Dale, thoughtfully; "see what they
entailed upon Nimrod! But Agriculture is a healthful and noble pursuit,
honoured by sacred nations, and cherished by the greatest men in
classical times. For instance, the Athenians were--"

"Bother the Athenians!" cried the squire, irreverently; "you need not go
so