To go about London with a
train of seven was bad enough; but that was her own affair, and they
could not prevent it; and they absolutely would not swell the number
to thirteen. It would be ridiculous; she would want an omnibus to go
about in.
"I did not mean all to go about together. The elder boys will go
their own way."
But, as the Colonel observed, that was all very well for boys, whose
home had always been in London, but she would find his country lads
much in her way. She then reduced her demand by a third, for she
really wished for Johnny; but the Colonel's principles would not
allow him to accept so great an indulgence for Rob.
That unlucky fellow had, of course, failed in his examination, and
this had renewed the Colonel's resentment at his laziness and
shuffling. He was, however, improved by contact with strangers,
looked and behaved less bearishly, and had acquired a will to do
better. Still, it was not possible to regret his absence, except
because it involved that of his brother; and, with a great effort,
and many assurances of her being really needed, Jessie's company was
secured.
Never was the taste of wealth sweeter than in that over-filled
railway carriage, before it was light on the winter morning, with a
vista of endless possibilities contained in those crackling notes and
round gold pieces, Jessie being, of course, as well off as the rest,
and feeling the novelty and wonder even more.
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