"His lordship is to be here from Friday to Sunday with a
party, Mr. Masters."
"Oh, indeed."
"For the end of the shooting. And who do you think he has asked to
be one of the party?"
"Not Mr. Reginald?"
"I don't think they ever spoke in their lives. Who but Larry
Twentyman!"
"No!"
"It'll be the making of Larry. I only hope he won't cock his beaver
too high."
"Is he coming?"
"I suppose so. He'll be sure to come. His Lordship only tells me
that there are to be six of 'em on Saturday and five on Friday
night. But the lad there knew who they all were. There's Mr.
Surbiton and Captain Battersby and Sir George are to come over with
his lordship from Rufford. And young Mr. Hampton is to join them
here, and Larry Twentyman is to shoot with them on Saturday and
dine afterwards. Won't those two Botseys be jealous; that's all?"
"It only shows what they think of Larry," said the attorney.
"Larry Twentyman is a very good fellow," said the landlord. "I
don't know a better fellow round Dillsborough, or one who is more
always on the square. But he's weak. You know him as well as I, Mr.
Masters."
"He's not so weak but what he can keep what he's got."
"This'll be the way to try him. He'd melt away like water into sand
if he were to live for a few weeks with such men as his Lordship's
friends.
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