now that we've made up our minds that it won't do ... accepted it, you
know.... Oh, yes, I think we could meet, as far as that goes."

Lord Evelyn nodded approval.

"Very good, very good. Now listen to me. You're on the roads, aren't you,
without a penny, you and your boy?"

"Yes. I make a little as I go along, you know. One doesn't need much
here. We're quite comfortable."

"Are you, indeed?... Well now, I see no reason why you shouldn't be more
comfortable still. I want you to come and live with me."

Peter startled, looked up, and coloured. Then he smiled.

"It's most frightfully good of you...."

"Rubbish, rubbish." Lord Evelyn testily waved his words aside. "'Tisn't
for your sake. It's for mine. I want your company.... My good boy,
haven't you ever guessed, all these years, that I rather like your
company? That was why I was so angry when you and your precious brother
made a fool of me long ago. It hurt, because I liked you, Peter
Margerison. That was why I couldn't forgive you. Demme! I don't think
I've forgiven you yet, nor ever shall. That is why I came and insulted
you so badly one day as you remember. That's why I've such a soft place
for Lucy, who's got your laugh and your voice and your tricks of talk,
and looks at me with your white face. That's why I wasn't going to let
her and you make young fools of yourselves together. That, I suppose,
is why I know all the time what you're feeling; why I knew you were in