"My grandson told me that he had left home."
"He is an excellent young man, and I am sure that I have every reason to be thankful." Sir Peregrine, remembering the affair in Cowcross Street, and certain other affairs of a somewhat similar nature, thought that she had; but for all that he would not have exchanged his own bright-eyed lad for Lucius Mason with all his virtues and all his learning.
"And indeed I am thankful," continued the widow. "Nothing can be better than his conduct and mode of life; but—"
"I hope he has no attraction at Liverpool, of which you disapprove."
"No, no; there is nothing of that kind. His attraction is—; but perhaps I had better explain the whole matter. Lucius, you know, has taken to farming."
"He has taken up the land which you held yourself, has he not?"
"Yes, and a little more; and he is anxious to add even to that. He is very energetic about it, Sir Peregrine."
"Well; the life of a gentleman farmer is not a bad one; though in his special circumstances I would certainly have recommended a profession."
"Acting upon your advice I did urge him to go to the bar. But he has a will of his own, and a mind altogether made up as to the line of life which he thinks will suit him best. What I fear now is, that he will spend more money upon experiments than he can afford."
"Experimental farming is an expensive amusement," said Sir Peregrine, with a very serious shake of his head.