"I shall be so delighted," he cried. "I am but slightly acquainted
with Mr. Travers, but I like him much, and Mrs. Campion is so well
informed."

"And what say you to the girl?"

"The girl, Miss Travers. Oh, she is very well in her way. But I
don't talk with young ladies more than I can help."

"Then you are like your cousin Kenelm?"

"I wish I were like him in other things."

"No, one such oddity in a family is quite enough. But though I would
not have you change to a Kenelm, I would not change Kenelm for the
most perfect model of a son that the world can exhibit." Delivering
himself of this burst of parental fondness, Sir Peter shook hands with
Gordon, and walked off to Mivers, who was to give him luncheon and
then accompany him to the station. Sir Peter was to return to
Exmundham by the afternoon express.

Left alone, Gordon indulged in one of those luxurious guesses into the
future which form the happiest moments in youth when so ambitious as
his. The sum Sir Peter placed at his disposal would insure his
entrance in Parliament. He counted with confidence on early successes
there. He extended the scope of his views. With such successes he
might calculate with certainty on a brilliant marriage, augmenting his
fortune, and confirming his position. He had previously fixed his
thoughts on Cecilia Travers. I will do him the justice to say not