But more welcome guests were Richard and Tom Grigson, who, sometimes together and sometimes apart, periodically and for some years gave John the benefit and pleasure of their society. And on occasion of Tom's marriage to Kate Elliston of the Mumbles, a part of their honeymoon was spent at Tincroft House, the unused state apartments being prepared and hospitably thrown open to them for that auspicious occasion. But respecting this matrimonial event, we shall have something to tell in a future chapter.
Mr. Rubric also sometimes found his way to Tincroft House. And it is to be expressly stated that this gentleman, as well as those above mentioned, made themselves agreeable to Mrs. Tincroft by the respectful gallantry with which they treated her.
John would fain have extended his hospitality to excellent Mrs. Barry, to whom he was, on more than one account, indebted. But she laughingly declined the invitation.
"When I travel the country in a showman's van, as the fat woman of Oxford, I'll be sure to give you a call," said she; "but till then, I think you must come and see me sometimes, Mr. John."
Which he did.
Once the Tincrofts received an unexpected call from Ralph Burgess, out of the far north, whose professional engagements in connection with a projected railroad (for it was at the time when railroads began to be surveyed) carried him southward.
On this occasion, John was taken aside by his visitor.
"You have heard nothing of Walter Wilson of late, I suppose!"
"Nothing," said John, "except that he went to Australia soon after—not long after—"
"Not long after your marriage. True. You will not be sorry to hear that he is not doing badly out there, I hope?"