Loud laughter from Fanny, who professed to know her way about already. They exchanged "tips"--until at last Mr. Birch, lost in admiration of his companion, pronounced her a "ripper"--he had never yet met a lady so well up--"why, you know as much as a man!"
Dr. Roughsedge meanwhile observed the type. The father, an old-fashioned steady-going solicitor, had sent the son to expensive schools, and allowed him two years at Oxford, until the College had politely requested the youth's withdrawal. The business was long established, and had been sound. This young man had now been a partner in it for two years, and the same period had seen the rise to eminence of another and hitherto obscure firm in the county town. Mr. Fred Birch spoke contemptuously of the rival firm as "smugs"; but the district was beginning to intrust its wills and mortgages to the "smugs" with a sad and increasing alacrity.
There were, indeed, some secret discomforts in the young man's soul; and while he sported with Fanny he did not forget business. The tenant of Beechcote was, ipso facto, of some social importance, and Diana was reported to be rich; the Roughsedges also, though negligible financially, were not without influence in high places; and the doctor was governor of an important grammar-school recently revived and reorganized, wherewith the Birches would have been glad to be officially connected. He therefore made himself agreeable.
"You read, sir, a great deal?" he said to the doctor, with a professional change of voice.
The doctor, who, like most great men, was a trifle greedy, was silently enjoying a dish of oysters delicately rolled in bacon. He looked up at his questioner.
"A great deal, Mr. Birch."
"Everything, in fact?"
"Everything--except, of course, what is indispensable."
Mr. Birch looked puzzled.
"I heard of you from the Duchess, doctor. She says you are one of the most learned men in England."