CHAPTER XVII.
"There are times when we are diverted out of errors, but could not be preached out of them .-- There are practitioners who can cure us of one disorder, though, in ordinary cases, they be but poor physicians--nay, dangerous quacks."-STEPHEN MONTAGUE.
LUMLEY FERRERS had one rule in life; and it was this: to make all things and all persons subservient to himself.

And Ferrers now intended to go abroad for some years.

He wanted a companion, for he disliked solitude: besides, a companion shared the expenses; and a man of eight hundred a year, who desires all the luxuries of life, does not despise a partner in the taxes to be paid for them.

Ferrers, at this period, rather liked Ernest than not: it was convenient to choose friends from those richer than himself, and he resolved, when he first came to Temple Grove, that Ernest should be his travelling companion.

This resolution formed, it was very easy to execute it.
Maltravers was now warmly attached to his new friend, and eager for change.