Clarence's post was one of
considerable trust; but there were no tokens of special favour,
except that Mr. Frith was more civil to my father than usual, and
when he heard of the arrangement about the lodgings, he snarled out,
'Hm! Law student indeed! Don't let him spoil his brother!'
Which was so far an expression of gratitude that it showed that he
considered that there was something to be spoilt. Mr. Castleford,
however, showed real satisfaction in the purchase of a share in the
concern for Clarence. His own eldest son inherited a good deal of
his mother's Irish nature, and was evidently unfit to be anything
but a soldier, and the next was so young that he was glad to have a
promising and trustworthy young man, from whom a possible joint head
of the firm might be manufactured.
CHAPTER XXVII--PETER'S THUNDERBOLT
If you can separate yourself and your misdemeanours you are welcome
to the house; if not, an it would please you to take leave of her,
she is very willing to bid you farewell.'
Twelfth Night.
In the early summer of 1833, we had the opportunity of borrowing a
friend's house in Portman Square for six weeks, and we were allowed
to take Ellen with us for introduction to the Admiral and other old
friends, while we were to make acquaintance with her connections--
the family of Sir Horace Lester, M.P.
We were very civil; but there were a good many polite struggles for
the exclusive possession of Ellen, whom both parties viewed as their
individual right; and her unselfish good-humour and brightness must
have carried her over more worries than we guessed at the time.
Pages:
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244