ch Pen would have
talked a great deal more eloquently a month back, the conversation
reverted to the plans for going abroad, and Arthur eagerly pressed his
friend to be of the party. Warrington was a part of the family--a part
of the cure. Arthur said he should not have half the pleasure without
Warrington.

But George said no, he couldn't go. He must stop at home and take Pen's
place. The other remarked that that was needless, for Shandon was now
come back to London, and Arthur was entitled to a holiday.

"Don't press me," Warrington said, "I can't go. I've particular
engagements. I'm best at home. I've not got the money to travel, that's
the long and short of it--for travelling costs money, you know."

This little obstacle seemed fatal to Pen. He mentioned it to his mother:
Mrs. Pendennis was very sorry; Mr. Warrington had been exceedingly kind;
but she supposed he knew best about his affairs. And then, no doubt, she
reproached herself, for selfishness in wishing to carry the boy off and
have him to herself altogether.

"What is this I hear from Pen, my dear Mr. Warrington?" the Major asked
one day, when the pair were alone and after Warrington's objection had
been stated to him. "Not go with us? We can't hear of such a thing--Pen
won't get well without you. I promise you, I'm not going to be his
nurse. He must have somebody with him that's stronger and gayer and
better able to amuse him than a rheumatic old fogy like me. I shall
go to Carlsbad very likely, when I've seen you people settle down.
Travelling costs nothing nowadays--or so little! And--and, pray,
Warrington, remember that I was your father's very old friend, and if
you and your brother are not on such terms as to--to enable you to--to
anticipate your younger brother's allowance, I beg you to make me your
banker, for hasn't Pen been getting into your debt these three weeks
past, during which you have been doing what he informs me is his work,
with such exemplary talent and genius, begad?"

Still, in spite of this kind offer and unheard-of generosity on the part
of the Major, George Warrington refused, and said he would stay at home.
But it was with a faltering voice and an irresolute accent which showed
how much he would like to go, though his tongue persisted in saying nay.

But the Major's persevering benevolence was not to be baulked in this
way. At the tea-table that evening, Helen happening to be absent from
the room for the moment, looking for