Lord Doltimore at the age of twenty-two was a very good _parti_; and, whatever his other deficiencies, he had sense enough to perceive that he received much greater attention--whether from opera-dancers in search of a friend, or virtuous young ladies in search of a husband--than any of the companions, good-looking though many of them were, with whom he had habitually lived.
"You will not long remain in town now the season is over ?" said Vargrave, as after dinner he found himself, by the departure of the ladies, next to Lord Doltimore.
"No, indeed; even in the season I don't much like London.

Paris has rather spoiled me for any other place." "Paris is certainly very charming; the ease of French life has a fascination that our formal ostentation wants.

Nevertheless, to a man like you, London must have many attractions." "Why, I have a good many friends here; but still, after Ascot, it rather bores me." "Have you any horses on the turf ?" "Not yet; but Legard (you know Legard, perhaps,--a very good fellow) is anxious that I should try my luck.

I was very fortunate in the races at Paris--you know we have established racing there.

The French take to it quite naturally." "Ah, indeed! It is so long since I have been in Paris--most exciting amusement! _A propos_ of races, I am going down to Lord Raby's to-morrow; I think I saw in one of the morning papers that you had very largely backed a horse entered at Knaresdean." "Yes, Thunderer--I think of buying Thunderer.