park, and lounged at the opera. But there was this difference
in his existence, before and since his travels: he was now
conscious he wanted an object; and was ever musing over
action, though as yet ignorant how to act. Perhaps it was
this want of being roused, that led him, it may be for
distraction, again to the turf. It was a pursuit that seemed
to him more real than the life of saloons, full of
affectation, perverted ideas, and factitious passions.
Whatever might he the impulse Egremont however was certainly
not slightly interested in the Derby; and though by no means
uninstructed in the mysteries of the turf, had felt such
confidence in his information that, with his usual ardour, he
had backed to a considerable amount the horse that ought to
have won, but which nevertheless only ran a second.




Book 1 Chapter 6



Notwithstanding the confidence of Lady St Julians, and her
unrivalled information, the health of the king did not
improve: but still it was the hay fever, only the hay fever.
An admission had been allowed to creep into the Court
Circular, that "his majesty has been slightly indisposed
within the last few days;" but then it was soon followed by a
very positive assurance, that his majesty's favourite and
long-matured resolution to give a state banquet to the knights