The Amateur Gentleman

The story of Barnabas Barty, son of John Barty, former champion boxer of England and landlord of a pub in Kent. At the start of the tale Barnabas comes into possession of a vast fortune and determines to become a gentleman. His father objects, they quarrel, and settle their differences in a round of fisticuffs which Barnabas wins fair and square, whereupon Barnabas sets off for London to make his place in society -- and discover romance!

Excerpt:

"A very good house!" nodded Barnabas, stealing a glance at the road again--"but--"

"To be sure there's the 'Running Horse,'" said his father, "just beyond Purley on the Brighton Road--a coaching-house, wi' plenty o' custom, what d' ye think o' the 'Running Horse'?"

"Any one you choose, father, but--"

"Then there's the 'Sun in the Sands' on Shooter's Hill--a fine inn an' not to be sneezed at, Barnabas--we might take that."

"Just as you wish, father, only--"

"Though I've often thought the 'Greyhound' at Croydon would be a comfortable house to own."

"Buy whichever you choose, father, it will be all one to me!"

"Good lad!" nodded John, "you can leave it all to Natty Bell an' me."

"Yes," said Barnabas, rising and fronting his father across the table, "you see I intend to go away, sir."