"And that's true enough, my lord!" said the mother. So they bought Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy a cornetcy in the —— regiment of dragoons.
Things are not learned by inspiration. Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy had never ridden at school, except when he was hoisted; he was, therefore, a very indifferent horseman; they sent him to the riding-school, and everybody laughed at him.
"He is a d—d ass!" said Cornet Horsephiz, who was very ugly; "a horrid puppy!" said Lieutenant St. Squintem, who was still uglier; "if he does not ride better he will disgrace the regiment," said Captain Rivalhate, who was very good-looking; "if he does not ride better, we will cut him!" said Colonel Everdrill, who was a wonderful martinet; "I say, Mr. Bumpemwell (to the riding-master,) make that youngster ride less like a miller's sack."
"Pooh, sir, he will never ride better."
"And why the d—-l will he not?"
"Bless you, colonel, he is a great deal too handsome for a cavalry officer!"
"True!" said Cornet Horsephiz.
"Very true," said Lieutenant St. Squintem.
"We must cut him!" said the Colonel.
And Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy was accordingly cut.