n. His second wife was uncommonly
handsome: she was a Miss Talbot (a Catholic), daughter of Colonel
Talbot, and niece to the celebrated beau, Squire Talbot of Scarsdale
Park. Poor lady! they say that she married my lord through a momentary
pique against a former lover. However that may be, she was a fine,
high-spirited creature: very violent in temper, to be sure, but generous
and kind when her passion was over; and however haughty to her equals
charitable and compassionate to the poor."

"She had but one son, Master Clinton. Never, sir, shall I forget the
rejoicings that were made at his birth: for my lord doted on his second
wife, and had disliked his first, whom he had married for her fortune;
and it was therefore natural that he should prefer the child of the
present wife to Master Francis. Ah, it is sad to think how love can
change! Well, sir, my lord seemed literally to be wrapped up in the
infant: he nursed it and fondled it, and hung over it, as if he had
been its mother rather than its father. My lady desired that it might
be christened by one of her family names; and my lord consenting, it was
called Clinton. (The wine is with you, sir! Do observe that it has not
changed colour in the least, notwithstanding its age.)"

"My lord was fond of a quiet, retired life; indeed, he was a great
scholar, and spent the chief part of his time among his books. Dr.
Latinas, the young gentleman's tutor, said his lordship made Greek
verses better than Dr. Latinas could make English ones, so you may judge
of his learning. But my lady went constantly to town, and was among the
gayest of the gay; nor did she often come down here without bringing a
whole troop of guests. Lord help us, what goings on there used to be at
the great house!--such dancing and music, and dining and supping, and
shooting-parties, fishing-parties, gypsy-parties: you would have thought
all England was merrymaking there."

"But my lord, though he indulged my lady in all her whims and
extravagance, seldom took much share in them himself. He was constantly
occupied with his library and children, nor did he ever suffer either
Master Francis or Master Clinton to mix with the guests. He kept them
very close at their studies, and when the latter was six years old, I
do assure you, sir, he could say his Propria quae maribus better than I
can. (You don't drink, sir.) When Master Francis was sixteen, and Master
Clinton eight, the former was sent abroad on his trave