PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. VOL. 99. December 20, 1890. VOCES POPULI. THE RIDING-CLASS. SCENE--_A Riding-school, on a raw chilly afternoon. The gas is lighted, but does not lend much cheerfulness to the interior, which is bare and bleak, and pervaded by a bluish haze. Members of the Class discovered standing about on the tan, waiting for their horses to be brought in. At the further end is an alcove, with a small balcony, in which Mrs. BILBOW-KAY, the Mother of one of the Equestrians, is seated with a young female Friend._ _Mrs. Bilbow-Kay._ Oh, ROBERT used to ride very nicely indeed when he was a boy; but he has been out of practice lately, and so, as the Doctor ordered him horse-exercise, I thought it would be wiser for him to take a few lessons. Such an excellent change for any one with sedentary pursuits! [Illustration] _The Friend._ But isn't riding a sedentary pursuit, too? _Mrs. B.-K._ ROBERT says _he_ doesn't find it so. [_Enter the Riding Master._ _Riding Master_ (_saluting with cane_). Evenin', Gentlemen--your 'orses will be in directly; 'ope we shall see some _ridin'_ this time. (_Clatter without; enter Stablemen with horses._) Let me see--Mr. BILBOW-KAY, Sir, you'd better ride the _Shar_; he ain't been out all day, so he'll want some 'andling. (_Mr. B.-K., with a sickly smile, accepts a tall and lively horse._) No, Mr. TONGS, that ain't _your_ 'orse to-day--you've got beyond _'im_, Sir. We'll put you up on _Lady Loo_; she's a bit rough till you get on terms with her, but you'll be all right on her after a bit. Yes, Mr. JOGGLES, Sir, you take _Kangaroo_, please. Mr. BUMPAS, I've 'ad the _Artful Dodger_ out for you; and mind he don't get rid of you so easy as he did Mr. GRIPPER last time. Got a nice 'orse for _you_, Mr. 'ARRY SNIGGERS, Sir--_Frar Diavolo_. You mustn't take no notice of his bucking a bit at starting--he'll soon leave it off. _Mr. Sniggers_ (_who conceals his qualms under a forced facetiousness_). Soon leave _me_ off, you mean!