social intercourse or enjoyment; the game was marred, and ended
ere ever it was well begun. There were whisperings apart--the
party separated, and, in order to shake off the blighting influence
of this dogged persecutor, they entered sundry houses of their
acquaintances, with an understanding that they were to meet on
the Links for a game at cricket.

They did so; and, stripping off part of their clothes, they began
that violent and spirited game. They had not played five minutes
till Wringhim was stalking in the midst of them, and totally
impeding the play. A cry arose from all corners of: "Oh, this will
never do. Kick him out of the play-ground! Knock down the
scoundrel; or bind him, and let him lie in peace."

"By no means," cried George. "It is evident he wants nothing
else. Pray do not humour him so much as to touch him with either
foot or finger." Then, turning to a friend, he said in a whisper:
"Speak to him, Gordon; he surely will not refuse to let us have
the ground to ourselves, if you request it of him."

Gordon went up to him, and requested of him, civilly, but
ardently, "to retire to a certain distance, else none of them could
or would be answerable, however sore he might be hurt."

He turned disdainfully on his heel, uttered a kind of pulpit hem!
and then added, "I will take my chance of that; hurt me, any of
you, at your peril."

The young gentlemen smiled, through spite and disdain of the
dogged animal. Gordon followed him up, and tried to remonstrate