Cashel Byron's Profession

When Lydia was alone, she considered whether she was justified in

keeping Mrs. Byron apart from her son. It seemed plain that at

present Cashel was a disgrace to his mother, and had better remain

hidden from her. But if he should for any reason abandon his

ruffianly pursuits, as she had urged him to do, then she could bring

about a meeting between them; and the truant's mother might take

better care of him in the future, besides making him pecuniarily

independent of prize-fighting. This led Lydia to ask what new

profession Cashel could adopt, and what likelihood there was of his

getting on with his mother any better than formerly. No satisfactory

answer was forthcoming. So she went back to the likelihood of his

reforming himself for her sake. On this theme her imagination

carried her so far from all reasonable probability, that she was

shaking her head at her own folly when Bashville appeared and

announced Lord Worthington, who came into the room with Alice. Lydia

had not seen him since her discovery of the true position of the

tenant he had introduced to her, and he was consequently a little

afraid to meet her. To cover his embarrassment, he began to talk

quickly on a number of commonplace topics. But when some time had

elapsed, he began to show signs of fresh uneasiness. He looked at

his watch, and said, "I don't wish to hurry you, ladies; but this affair commences at

three."

"What affair?" said Lydia, who had been privately wondering why he

had come.

"The assault-at-arms. King What's-his-name's affair. Webber told me

he had arranged that you should come with me."

"Oh, you have come to take us there. I had forgotten. Did I promise

to go?"

"Webber said so. He was to have taken you himself; but, failing

that, he promised to do a good thing for me and put me in his place.

He said you particularly wanted to go, hang him!"

Lydia then rose promptly and sent for her carriage. "There is no

hurry," bhe said. "We can drive to St. James's Hall in twelve

minutes."

"Hut we have to go to Islington, to the Agricultural Hall. There

will be cavalry charges, and all sorts of fun."

"Bless me!" said Lydia. "Will there be any boxing?"

"Yes," said Lord Worthington, reddening, but unabashed. "Lots of it.

It will be by gentlemen, though, except perhaps one bout to show the

old king our professional form."

"Then excuse me while I go for my hat," said Lydia, leaving the

room. Alice had gone some time before to make a complete change in

her dress, as the occasion was one for display of that kind.