‘What is the use of talking about leaving town when Lady Boltons is ill?’
‘If your ladyship will entrust your noble ward to my care,’ continued the Professor, ‘I will undertake the charge of him at my own house for the next three months.’
The Chancellor reflected. The plan seemed the best. Since Lady Boltons was ill, there was really no one to look after the young man, while, at the present moment of excitement, it seemed most desirable that he should be out of town. If the boy was to go on talking in this way about old women and young men, there was no telling what might not happen; and the Duchess would be pleased with such an arrangement. That consideration decided her.
‘If you really can take charge of him—you could draw on Lady Boltons for whatever you like, in reason,—it does seem the best thing to do. Yes—he would be safer out of the way. When can you start?’
‘To-morrow.’
‘Very good; then we will settle it so. You will accompany Professor Ingleby, Lord Chester; you will consider her as your guardian—and—and all that. And for Heaven’s sake, let us have no more folly!’
She touched his fingers with her own, bowed slightly to the Professor, and left them.
‘My dear boy,’ said the Professor, when the door was shut, ‘I foresee a great opportunity. And as for that sermon you spoke of——’
‘Well, Professor?’
‘You may begin to compose it as soon as you please, and on the road I will help you. Meantime, hold your tongue.’