that I must have once been a very keen sportsman somewhere,
without knowing it. It was a delightful July day that I set out to
join my friends, who, having recruited a large party, were to
rendezvous at the corner of Stephen's Green; thither I proceeded in a
certain rambling trot, which I have often observed is a very favorite
pace with timid horsemen and gentlemen of the medical profession. I
was hailed with a most hearty welcome by a large party as I turned out
of Grafton Street, among whom I perceived several friends of Miss
Eversham, and some young dragoon officers, not of my acquaintance, but
who appeared to know Fanny intimately, and were laughing heartily with
her as I rode up.

"I don't know if other men have experienced what I am about to mention
or not; but certainly to me there is no more painful sensation than to
find yourself among a number of well-mounted, well-equipped people,
while the animal you yourself bestride seems only fit for the kennel.
Every look that is cast at your unlucky steed--every whispered
observation about you are so many thorns in your flesh, till at last
you begin to feel that your appearance is for very little else than the
amusement and mirth of the assembly; and every time you rise in your
stirrups you excite a laugh.

"'Where, for mercy's sake, did you find that creature?' said Fanny,
surveying Marius through her glass.

"'Oh, him, eh? Why, he is a handsome horse, if in condition--a
charger, you know--that's his style.'

"'Indeed,' lisped a young lancer, 'I should be devilish sorry to
charge, or be charged with him.' And here they all chuckled at this
puppy's silly joke, and I drew up to repress further liberties.

"'Is he anything of a fencer?' said a young country gentleman.

"'To judge from his near eye, I should say much more of a boxer,' said
another.

"Here commenced a running fire of pleasantry at the expense of my poor
steed; which, not content with attacking his physical, extended to his
moral qualities. An old gentleman near me observing, 'that I ought not
to have mounted him at all, seeing he was so deuced groggy;' to which I
replied, by insinuating, that if others present were as free from the
influence of ardent spirits, society would not be a sufferer; an
observation that, I flatter myself, turned the mirth against the old
fellow, for they all laughed for a quarter of an hour after.

"Well, at last we set out in a brisk trot, and, placed near Fanny, I