Dismay, and the ardours of study, flashed together in Ripton's face.

He slouched from his perch with the air of one who means rather to defend his position than welcome a superior, the right hand in his waistcoat pocket fumbling a key, the left catching at his vacant stool.
Sir Austin put two fingers on the youth's shoulder, and said, leaning his head a little on one side, in a way habitual to him, "I am glad to find my son's old comrade thus profitably occupied.

I know what study is myself.

But beware of prosecuting it too excitedly! Come! you must not be offended at our interruption; you will soon take up the thread again.

Besides, you know, you must get accustomed to the visits of your client." So condescending and kindly did this speech sound to Mr.Thompson, that, seeing Ripton still preserve his appearance of disorder and sneaking defiance, he thought fit to nod and frown at the youth, and desired him to inform the baronet what particular part of Blackstone he was absorbed in mastering at that moment.
Ripton hesitated an instant, and blundered out, with dubious articulation, "The Law of Gravelkind." "What Law ?" said Sir Austin, perplexed.
"Gravelkind," again rumbled Ripton's voice.
Sir Austin turned to Mr.Thompson for an explanation.