CHAPTER X.

AT PRINCES-GARDENS.

'Marry, what a world of pomp and state!'

NOW pass on to the happiest days

of my life

life-the days I spent at

Princes - gardens. A week after the interview with Lady Trevennis, just related in my last chapter, I received a letter from Mr. Faynix, in which he cordially accepted my proposal of becoming his grandson's tutor. He expressed his pleasure at having the assistance of one who was a connection of his, and who at the same time had so distinguished himself at Oxford. He had received, he said, a most excellent account of my character and abilities from the head of my college,

who was also an intimate friend i as:

and it had induced him to appo

his private secretary, as well as

little Reggie, in order

might have some more cena:

than the being contined

mentary education...

time would ise emy art. Nothing ma

cordial than the tone:

more considerate. Ia:

ne

CHAPTER X.

AT PRINCES-GARDENS.

'Marry, what a world of pomp and state!'

NOW pass on to the happiest days of my life-the days I spent at Princes - gardens. A week after the interview with Lady Trevennis, just related in my last chapter, I received a letter from Mr. Faynix, in which he cordially accepted my proposal of becoming his grandson's tutor. He expressed his pleasure at having the assistance of one who was a connection of his, and who at the same time had so distinguished himself at Oxford. He had received, he said, a most excellent account of my character and abilities from the head of my college,

who was also an intimate friend of his; and it had induced him to appoint me his private secretary, as well as tutor to little Reggie, in order that my abilities might have some more congenial occupation than the being confined entirely to the elementary education of a young lad. Ample time would also be allowed me to pursue my art. Nothing could be kinder or more cordial than the tone of this letter; nothing more considerate. He desired me, if it were convenient, to return to town as soon as possible, and do him the favour of bringing his grandson with me. He was now busily engaged with his parliamentary and official duties, and my assistance would be most useful.

I showed Mr. Faynix's letter to Lady Trevennis, and she advised me to quit Weedoncliffe the following day. There was nothing to cause me to stay any longer

from town; my picture was well-nigh finished, and would be ready in a week to send in for inspection to the Academy; my health was restored; and both Lady Trevennis and Lady Ann would be starting for London in another ten days. It was just as well that I should feel fully settled before the arrival of the ladies; and as for my pupil, he was enchanted at the idea of going up to London. I wrote to Mr. Faynix, to say that I should be with him on the following Thursday, and be accompanied by Reggie.

Already my pupil and I were great friends. He showed me his pony, his butterfly collection, and his two Newfoundland puppies; we sailed his little boat on the lake, had a game at ball together; and in fact in all his amusements, and whenever the little man had anything new to show, my presence was absolutely indispensable.