and was more amused at overhearing Richard's precise directions to
Norman over the packing up.

"Ay, Ritchie," said the doctor, as he saw his portmanteau locked, and
the key given to Norman, "you may well look grave upon it. You won't
see it look so tidy when it comes back again, and I believe you are
thinking it will be lucky if you see it at all."

There was a very affectionate leave-taking of Harry, who, growing
rather soft-hearted, thought it needful to be disdainful, scolded
Mary and Blanche for "lugging off his figure-head," and assured them
they made as much work about it as if he was going to sea at once.
Then, to put an end to any more embraces, he marched off to the
station with Tom, and nearly caused the others to be too late, by the
search for him that ensued.

In due time, Dr. May and Norman returned, looking the better for the
journey. There was, first, to tell of Harry's school and its master,
and Alan Ernescliffe's introduction of him to a nice-looking boy of
his own age; then they were eloquent on the wonders of the dockyard,
the Victory, the block machinery. And London--while Dr. May went to
transact some business, Norman had been with Alan at the British
Museum, and though he had intended to see half London besides, there
was no tearing him away from the Elgin marbles; and nothing would
serve him, but bringing Dr. May the next morning to visit the
Ninevite bulls. Norman further said, that whereas papa could never
go out of his house without meeting people who had something to say
to him, it was the same elsewhere. Six acquaintances he had met
unexpectedly in London, and two at Portsmouth.