"Dey-vilish fine horse!" exclaimed the voice of one standing close beside him, and in a tone of most disagreeable confidence. The exclamation was addressed to Mr. Aubrey; who, on turning to the speaker, beheld a young man--('twas, in fact, Titmouse)--dressed in a style of the most extravagant absurdity. One hand was stuck into the hinder pocket of a stylish top-coat, (the everlasting tip of a white pocket-handkerchief glistening at the mouth of his breast-pocket;) the other held a cigar to his mouth, from which, as he addressed Mr. Aubrey with an air of signal assurance, he slowly expelled the smoke which he had inhaled. Mr. Aubrey turned towards him with a cold and surprised air, without replying; at the same time wondering where he had seen the ridiculous object before. "The horses in these parts ar'n't to be compared with them at London--eh, sir?" quoth Titmouse, approaching closer to Mr. Aubrey and his groom, to see what the latter was doing--who, on hearing Titmouse's last sally, gave him a very significant look. "I'm afraid the people here won't relish your remarks, sir!" replied Mr. Aubrey, calmly--hardly able to forbear a smile; at the same time, with an astonished air, scanning the figure of his companion from head to foot. "Who cares?" inquired Titmouse, with a very energetic oath. At this moment up came a farmer, who, observing Mr. Aubrey, made him a very low bow. Mr. Aubrey's attention being at the moment occupied with Titmouse, he did not observe the salutation; not so with Titmouse, who, conceiving it to have been directed to himself, acknowledged it by taking off his hat with great grace! Mr. Aubrey presently entered the house, having ordered his groom to bring back the horse in an hour's time. "Pray," said he, mildly, to the landlady, "who is that person smoking the cigar outside?" "Why, sir," she replied, "he's a Mr. _Brown_; and has another with him here--who's going up to London by this afternoon's coach--this one stays behind a day or two longer. They're queer people, sir. Such dandies! Do nothing but smoke, and drink brandy and water, sir; only that t' other writes a good deal." "Well, I wish you would remind him," said Mr. Aubrey, smiling, "that, if he thinks fit to speak to _me_ again, or in my presence, I am a magistrate, and have the power of fining him five shillings for every oath he utters." "What! sir," quoth she, reverently--"has he been speaking to _you_? Well, I never!! He's the most forward little upstart I ever see'd!" said she, dropping her voice; "and the sooner he takes himself off from here the better; for he's always winking at the maids and talking impudence to them. I'se box his ears, I warrant him, one of these times!" Mr. Aubrey smiled, and went up-stairs. "There don't seem to be _much_ wrong," quoth Titmouse to the groom, with a condescending air, as soon as Mr. Aubrey had entered the house. "Much you know about it, I don't guess!" quoth Sam, with a contemptuous smile.