Bred in the Bone by James Payn
page 55 of 506 (10%)
page 55 of 506 (10%)
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"Profession," said Chandos, in reply to Carew's last remark; "gad, your
ancient friend is lucky to have found one in these days. They tell me that no young gentleman can now get his living without answering questions, writing down things, drawing maps, and passing--What the deuce do they call them?" "Hanged if _I_ know," said the Squire. "Ask Byam; he knows every thing." "I say, Mr. Byam," drawled the young man, somewhat insolently, but without being aware that he was addressing a stranger by his Christian name, "Carew says you know every thing. What is it that a gentleman is now obliged to go through before he can get any of these snug things one used to get for the asking? What is the confounded thing one has to pass?" "Muster," answered Ryll, derisively, as though it was a riddle. Carew laughed aloud. The nearer a retort approached to a practical joke, provided it was not at his own expense, the better he liked it. "What did the old beggar say?" inquired Mr. Frederick Chandos, his fair face crimson with anger. "He asked for the mustard; he didn't hear you," answered the Squire, mischievously; "he never does hear a fellow who lisps." "I asked you, Mr. Byam," repeated the young man with tipsy gravity, "what is the name of those examinations?" "The name of the gentleman on my left, Mr. Chandos, is Ryll, and not |
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