“I hope he will behave himself.”
“I do not think he knows how.”
“We must give him a few lessons. But never mind him now, Tom. Tell me about yourself and everybody. What have you been doing all this long time? Have you got yourself engaged yet?”
“Not I, indeed. There has been far too much to do. I have been making myself a practical farmer, and I am great on lands and soils and crops; so if you are at a loss, consult your cousin.”
“Thank you; I will with pleasure, for I am sure that I have very much to learn.”
“And I am sure that farming was never so difficult as now. Father often looks worried, though he keeps wonderfully well, on the whole.”
“I am glad of that. I want to see him. I shall have plenty to do, I find. I have actually already had an invitation to a wedding.”
“Mary Wythburn’s, I suppose? You must accept it, John. I am to be one of the bridesmaids, and many of your old friends will be there.”
“Give me a few names. First, the bridegroom: who is he?”
“Alfred Greenholme is the bridegroom, Dr. Stapleton the groomsman, and the vicar, Mr. Sherborne, will also be present as a friend. The other bridesmaids are Hilda Copeland and Margaret Miller.”