d, Jawleyford ordered a bottle of the
'other,' attributing the slight discoloration (which he did not discover
until they had nearly finished the bottle) to change of atmosphere in the
outer cellar. Sponge tackled vigorously with the new-comer, which was
better than the first; and Robert Foozle, drinking as he spoke, by pattern,
kept filling away, much to Jawleyford's dissatisfaction, who was compelled
to order a third. During the progress of its demolition, the host's tongue
became considerably loosened. He talked of hunting and the charms of the
chase--of the good fellowship it produced: and expatiated on the advantages
it was of to the country in a national point of view, promoting as it did a
spirit of manly enterprise, and encouraging our unrivalled breed of horses;
both of which he looked upon as national objects, well worthy the attention
of enlightened men like himself.

Jawleyford was a great patron of the chase; and his keeper, Watson, always
had a bag-fox ready to turn down when my lord's hounds met there.
Jawleyford's covers were never known to be drawn blank. Though they had
been shot in the day before, they always held a fox the next--if a fox was
wanted.

Sponge being quite at home on the subjects of horses and hunting, lauded
all his papa-in-law's observations up to the skies; occasionally
considering whether it would be advisable to sell him a horse, and
thinking, if he did, whether he should let him have one of the three he had
down, or should get old Buckram to buy some quiet screw that would stand a
little work and yield him (Sponge) a little profit, and yet not demolish
the great patron of English sports. The more Jawleyford drank, the more
energetic he became, and the greater pleasure he anticipated from the meet
of the morrow. He docked the lord, and spoke of 'Scamperdale' as an
excellent fellow--a real, good, hearty, honest Englishman--a man that 'the
more you knew the more you liked'; all of which was very encouraging to
Sponge. Spigot at length appeared to read the tea and coffee riot-act, when
Jawleyford determined not to be done out of another bottle, pointing to the
nearly emptied decanter, said to Robert Foozle, 'I suppose you'll not take
any more wine?' To which Robert replied, 'No, I'll not take any more wine.'
Whereupon, pushing out his chair and throwing away his napkin, Jawleyford
arose and led the way to the drawing-room, followed by Sponge and this
entertaining young gentleman.

A