"Thanks, your grace."
"And now how are you going to employ your time while waiting here?"
"By taking a good guide-book, your grace, and going through London. Your grace will remember that I am a perfect stranger here, and even one of your great historical monuments, such as Westminster Abbey or the Tower, has interest enough in it to occupy a student for a week."
"I commend your taste in the occupation you have sketched out for your time. I must request you, however, to take great care of yourself, and to be here every day at this hour, as I shall make it a point to look in upon you."
"Thanks, your grace."
"And now good-day," said the visitor, offering his hand, and then abruptly leaving the room.
The youth, however, with the most deferential manner, attended him down stairs and to his carriage, and only took his leave, with a bow, when the footman closed the door.
Again as soon as his back was turned upon his father, the youth's face changed and darkened, and—
"I bide my time—I bide my time," he muttered to himself as he re-ascended the stairs.
He had not deceived his guardian, however, as to the manner in which he meant to spend his time while in London. At this time of his unfortunate position he had not yet contracted any evil habits, and he had a genuine liking for interesting antiquities. So, after partaking of a light luncheon, he went out, guide-book in hand and spent the whole day in studying the architectural glories and the antique monuments in Westminster Abbey.