The Major would ask a couple of thousand, I should think." "That is a great deal." "And then the Major is a very useful man.

He thoroughly understands the turf." "I hope he doesn't live by it ?" "Oh no; he doesn't live by it.

That is, he has a great many irons in the fire." "I do not mind a young man owning a horse, if he can afford the expense,--as you perhaps can do; but I hope you don't bet." "Nothing to speak of." "Nothing to speak of is so apt to grow into that which has to be spoken of." So much the father said at breakfast, hardly giving his mind to the matter discussed,--his mind being on other things.

But when their breakfast was eaten, then it was necessary that he should begin.

"Silverbridge," he said, "I hope you have thought better of what we were talking about as to these coming elections." "Well, sir;--of course I have thought about it." "And you can do as I would have you ?" "You see, sir, a man's political opinion is a kind of thing he can't get rid of." "You can hardly as yet have any very confirmed political opinion.
You are still young, and I do not suppose that you have thought much about politics." "Well, sir; I think I have.