In a short time he had established the firm of Egremont & Pollard, with extensive works in Lambeth.

His wife died before him; his son received a liberal education, and in early manhood found himself, as far as he knew, without a living relative, but with ample means of independence.

Young Walter Egremont retained an interest in the business, but had no intention of devoting himself to a commercial life.

At the University he had made alliances with men of standing, in the academical sense, and likewise with some whose place in the world relieved them from the necessity of establishing a claim to intellect.

In this way society was opened to him, and his personal qualities won for him a great measure of regard from those whom he most desired to please.
Somebody had called him 'the Idealist,' and the name adhered to him.