"It would suit me above all things were it not for the fact that the genus 'Boy' is the most aggravating of all animals, and that I am conscious of a certain shortness of temper at times, which might result in pain to my pupil, loss of dignity to myself, and general unpleasantness to all concerned—otherwise a private tutorship would suit most admirably."
Here Sir Richard took another pinch of snuff and sat frowning up at the ceiling, while Mr. Grainger began tying up that document which had so altered my prospects. As for me, I crossed to the window and stood staring out at the evening. Everywhere were trees tinted by the rosy glow of sunset, trees that stirred sleepily in the gentle wind, and far away I could see that famous highway, built and paved for the march of Roman Legions, winding away to where it vanished over distant Shooter's Hill.
"And pray," said Sir Richard, still frowning at the ceiling, "what do you propose to do with yourself?"
Now, as I looked out upon this fair evening, I became, of a sudden, possessed of an overmastering desire, a great longing for field and meadow and hedgerow, for wood and coppice and shady stream, for sequestered inns and wide, wind-swept heaths, and ever the broad highway in front. Thus I answered Sir Richard's question unhesitatingly, and without turning from the window:
"I shall go, sir, on a walking tour through Kent and Surrey into
Devonshire, and thence probably to Cornwall."
"And with a miserable ten guineas in your pocket?
Preposterous—absurd!" retorted Sir Richard.
"On the contrary, sir," said I, "the more I ponder the project, the more enamored of it I become."
"And when your money is all gone—how then?"
"I shall turn my hand to some useful employment," said I; "digging, for instance."
"Digging!" ejaculated Sir Richard, "and you a scholar—and what is more, a gentleman!"