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an engrossing subject, it was, perhaps, no wonder that he unconsciously neglected his father; but it was none the less sad at the time, and to be regretted in its consequences. I may come in and have a pipe with you, sir, maynt I? said Roger, that first evening, pushing gently against the study-door, which his father held only half open. Youll not like it, said the Squire, still holding the door against him, but speaking in a relenting tone. The tobacco I use isnt what young men like. Better go and have a cigar with Osborne. No. I want to sit with you, and I can stand pretty strong tobacco. Roger pushed in, the resistance slowly giving way before him. It will make your clothes smell. Youll have to borrow Osbornes scents to sweeten yourself, said the Squire grimly, at the same time pushing a short smart amber-mouthed pipe to his son. No; Ill have a churchwarden. Why, father, do you think Im a baby to put up with a dolls head like this? looking at the carving upon it. The Squire was pleased in his heart, though he did not choose to show it. He only said, Osborne brought it me when he came back from Germany. Thats three years ago. And then for some time they smoked in silence. But the voluntary companionship of his son was very soothing to the Squire, though not a word might he said. The next speech he made showed the direction of his thoughts; indeed, his words were always a transparent medium through which the current might be seen. A deal of a mans life comes and goes in three years Ive found that out; and he puffed away at his pipe again. While Roger was turning over in his mind what answer to make to this truism, the Squire again stopped his smoking and spoke. I remember when there was all that fuss about the Prince of Wales being made Regent, I read somewhereI daresay it was in a newspaperthat kings and their heirs-apparent were always on bad terms. Osborne was quite a little chap then: he used to go out riding with me on White Surrey;you wont remember the pony we called White Surrey? I remember it; but I thought it a tall horse in those days. Ah! that was because you were such a small lad, you know. Id seven horses in the stable thennot counting the farm-horses. I dont recollect having a care then, exceptshe was always delicate, you know. But what a beautiful boy Osborne was! He was always dressed in black velvet it was a foppery, but it wasnt my doing, and it was all right, Im sure. Hes a handsome fellow now, but the sunshine has gone out of his face. Hes a good deal troubled about this money, and the anxiety he has given you, said Roger, rather taking his brothers feelings for granted. Not he, said the Squire, taking the pipe out of his mouth, and hitting the bowl so sharply against the hob that it broke in pieces. There! But never mind! I say, not he, Roger! Hes none troubled about the money. Its easy getting money from Jews, if youre the eldest son and the heir. They just ask, How old is your father, and has he had a stroke, or a fit? and its settled out of hand; and then they come prowling about a place, and running down the timber and landDont let us speak of him; its no good, Roger. He and I are out of tune, and it seems to me as if only God Almighty could put us to rights. Its thinking of how he grieved her at last that makes me so bitter with him. And yet theres a deal of good in him! and hes so quick and clever, if only hed give his mind to things. Now, you were always slow, Rogerall your masters used to say so. |
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