“Well,” said he, ringing the bell, “I think we have done a good deal. Tom! bring my bow and arrows.”
The fine London-made bow, in its green case, and the quiver with all its appurtenances, were brought, and his lordship went down to the place where the shooting-butts were erected. He aimed a few shots at the target, but not coming near it, he shot all the remainder at random, and then ordered out his horse.
He sauntered, with a servant at his heels, for a mile or two through the lanes, and came, just as the clock struck twelve, to a village-green, close by which a school was kept. A door flew open, and out burst a shoal of boys, who, spreading over the green, with immoderate vociferation, instantly began a variety of sports. Some fell to marbles, some to trap-ball, some to leap-frog. In short, not one of the whole crew but was eagerly employed. Everything was noise, motion, and pleasure. Lord Linger, riding slowly up, espied one of his tenants’ sons, who had been formerly admitted as a playfellow of his, and called him from the throng.
“Jack,” said he, “how do you like school?”
“O, pretty well, my lord.”
“What—have you a good deal of play?”
“O no! We have only from twelve to two for playing and eating our dinners; and then an hour before supper.”
“That is very little, indeed!”
“But we play heartily when we do play, and work when we work. Good-by, my lord! it is my turn to go in at trap!”
So saying, Jack ran off.