as outward
appearance and bodily health go--a contrast to you, Cardo--but a clever
fellow, a senior wrangler, and an M.A. of his college. He has just
been ordained, and wants to recruit his health before he settles down
to a living which is in the gift of his uncle, and which will be vacant
in a short time; and as he offers very good remuneration, I don't see
why he shouldn't come here. He would be a companion to you. What do
you say to it?"

"As far as I am concerned, let him come by all means, if you wish it,
father; it can make no difference to me."

"Indeed it will, though! You will have to show him about the
neighbourhood, and lay yourself out to make his stay here as pleasant
as possible, for he will pay well."

"Pay!" said Cardo, with a frown, his sense of hospitality chafing under
the idea. "Pay! that spoils it all. If you take my advice in the
matter, you will write to your friend, and tell him to send his son
here by all means, but decline to take any remuneration."

"Cardo, you are a fool! Do you think I would take a stranger into my
house, to have him always at my table, upsetting all my domestic
arrangements, for nothing? You ought to know me better. Fortunately
for you, with your pride and extravagant ideas, I am here to look after
affairs, and hitherto, thank God, I have been quite capable of doing
so! I only consulted you on the matter because I wanted to know what
chance there was of your making yourself agreeable to the young man, as
I cannot be bothered with him."

"Oh, well, that is settled," said Cardo. "I shall be glad of a
companion, and will do my best to make him happy. I hope he'll be a
jolly fellow."

"Jolly fellow? I hope he will be a steady young man, and a fit
companion for you. You don't seem to think of the necessity of that!"

"I leave that to you, sir," said Cardo, with a humorous smile. "I
should never dream of questioning your prudence in the matter."

The old man nervously fingered his papers.

"Well, that is settled. I will not keep you longer from your fishing
or your rowing--which is it to-day, Cardo?" and he raised his black
eyebrows, and spoke with a slight sneer.

Cardo laughed good-naturedly.

"Neither fishing nor boating to-day, sir. No! it's that field of
swedes this afternoon," and he turned away with his hands dug deep in
his pockets.

"A bad habit, Cardo! An industrious man never walks about with his
hands in his pockets."

"All right,