Though Peregrine was tempted with the curiosity of seeing
this portrait, which he imagined must contain some analogy to the
ridiculous oddity of the painter, he would not expose himself to
the disagreeable alternative of applauding the performance, contrary
to the dictates of conscience and common sense, or of condemning
it, to the unspeakable mortification of the miserable author;
and therefore never dreamt of returning the painter's visit. Nor
did he ever hear of the lottery's being drawn. About this time he
was invited to spend a few weeks at the country seat of a certain
nobleman, with whom he had contracted an acquaintance, in the course
of his debauches, which we have already described. His lordship
being remarkable for his skill and success in horse-racing, his
house was continually filled with the connoisseurs and admirers
of that sport, upon which the whole conversation turned, insomuch
that Peregrine gradually imbibed some knowledge in horse-flesh, and
the diversions of the course; for the whole occupation of the day,
exclusive of eating and drinking, consisted in viewing, managing,
and exercising his lordship's stud.
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