The Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 99.,
Dec. 20, 1890, by Various

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Title: Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 99., Dec. 20, 1890

Author: Various

Release Date: July 16, 2004 [EBook #12917]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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PUNCH,

OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

VOL. 99.

December 20, 1890.

VOCES POPULI.

THE RIDING-CLASS.

SCENE--_A Riding-school, on a raw chilly afternoon. The gas is
lighted, but does not lend much cheerfulness to the interior,
which is bare and bleak, and pervaded by a bluish haze.
Members of the Class discovered standing about on the tan,
waiting for their horses to be brought in. At the further end
is an alcove, with a small balcony, in which Mrs. BILBOW-KAY,
the Mother of one of the Equestrians, is seated with a young
female Friend._

_Mrs. Bilbow-Kay._ Oh, ROBERT used to ride very nicely indeed when
he was a boy; but he has been out of practice lately, and so, as the
Doctor ordered him horse-exercise, I thought it would be wiser for
him to take a few lessons. Such an excellent change for any one with
sedentary pursuits!

[Illustration]

_The Friend._ But isn't riding a sedentary pursuit, too?

_Mrs. B.-K._ ROBERT says _he_ doesn't find it so.

[_Enter the Riding Master._

_Riding Master_ (_saluting with cane_). Evenin', Gentlemen--your
'orses will be in directly; 'ope we shall see some _ridin'_ this time.
(_Clatter without; enter Stablemen with horses._) Let me see--Mr.
BILBOW-KAY, Sir, you'd better ride the _Shar_; he ain't been out all
day, so he'll want some 'andling. (_Mr. B.-K., with a sickly smile,
accepts a tall and lively horse._) No, Mr. TONGS, that ain't _your_
'orse to-day--you've got beyond _'im_, Sir. We'll put you up on _Lady
Loo_; she's a bit rough till you get on terms with her, but you'll
be all right on her after a bit. Yes, Mr. JOGGLES, Sir, you take
_Kangaroo_, please. Mr. BUMPAS, I've 'ad the _Artful Dodger_ out for
you; and mind he don't get rid of you