Stephen acknowledged his official residence, mentally reserving the private one, and purposing to give Ermine a hint to confine herself for the present to Ivy Lane.
“Do come in,” said Leuesa hospitably, “and let us have a chat about old friends.”
And lifting up her voice she called—“Roscius!”
The mercer, whom Stephen remembered as a slim youth, presented himself in the changed character of a stout man of five-and-thirty, and warmly seconded his wife’s invitation, as soon as he recognised an old acquaintance.
“I’m glad enough to hear of old friends,” said Stephen, “for I haven’t heard a single word since I left Oxford about any one of them. Tell me first of my brother. Is he living and in the old place?”
“Ay, and Anania too, and all the children. I don’t think there have been any changes in the Castle.”
“Uncle Manning and Aunt Isel?”
“Manning died three years ago, and Isel dwells now with Raven and Flemild, who have only one daughter, so they have plenty of room for her.”
“Then what has become of Haimet?”
“Oh, he married Asselot, the rich daughter of old Tankard of Bicester. He lives at Bicester now. Romund and Mabel are well; they have no children, but Haimet has several.”