mm
did not leave the room. Nor did Sir Thomas dismiss him, feeling that
there might well be other things which would require discussion. "And
about me, Sir Thomas?" said Stemm.

"I have been thinking about that, Stemm."

"So have I, Sir Thomas,--more nor once."

"You can come to Fulham if you like,--only you must not scold the
maids."

"Very well, Sir Thomas," said Stemm, with hardly any variation in his
voice, but still with less of care upon his brow.

"Mind, I will not have you scolding them at the villa."

"Not unless they deserve it, Sir Thomas," said Stemm. Sir Thomas
could say nothing further. For our own part we fear that the maidens
at the villa will not be the better in conduct, as they certainly
will not be more comfortable in their lives, in consequence of this
change.

And the books were moved in large packing-cases, not one of which had
yet been opened when the two brides returned to Popham Villa after
their wedding tours, to see Patience just for a day before they were
taken to their new homes. Nevertheless, let us hope that the change
of air and of scene may tend to future diligence, and that the magnus
opus may yet be achieved. We have heard of editions of Aristophanes,
of Polybius, of the Iliad, of Ovid, and what not, which have ever
been forthcoming under the hands of notable scholars, who have grown
grey amidst the renewed promises which have been given. And some of
these works have come forth, belying the prophecies of incredulous
friends. Let us hope that the great Life of Bacon may yet be written.

* * * * * *

Transcriber's note:

Trollope was sometimes inconsistent with names of people or places.
In the early pages of this novel the name of Mr. Neefit's home was
Alexandrina Cottage. In the middle of the book it became Alexandria
Cottage, and in later pages it was Alexandra Cottage. The names have
been transcribed as they were in the original.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH THE HEIR***

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