Arthur had always been considered a boy of talents and promise; to what might he not now aspire?
The term of his probation with the tutor was abridged, and Arthur Beaufort was sent at once to Oxford.
Before he went to the university, during a short preparatory visit to his father, Arthur spoke to him of the Mortons.

"What has become of them, sir?
and what have you done for them ?" "Done for them!" said Mr.Beaufort, opening his eyes.

"What should I do for persons who have just been harassing me with the most unprincipled litigation?
My conduct to them has been too generous: that is, all things considered.

But when you are my age you will find there is very little gratitude in the world, Arthur." "Still, sir," said Arthur, with the good nature that belonged to him: "still, my uncle was greatly attached to them; and the boys, at least, are guiltless." "Well, well!" replied Mr.Beaufort, a little impatiently; "I believe they want for nothing: I fancy they are with the mother's relations.
Whenever they address me in a proper manner they shall not find me revengeful or hardhearted; but, since we are on this topic," continued the father smoothing his shirt-frill with a care that showed his decorum even in trifles, "I hope you see the results of that kind of connection, and that you will take warning by your poor uncle's example.

And now let us change the subject; it is not a very pleasant one, and, at your age, the less your thoughts turn on such matters the better." Arthur Beaufort, with the careless generosity of youth, that gauges other men's conduct by its own sentiments, believed that his father, who had never been niggardly to himself, had really acted as his words implied; and, engrossed by the pursuits of the new and brilliant career opened, whether to his pleasures or his studies, suffered the objects of his inquiries to pass from his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Mrs.Morton, for by that name we must still call her, and her children, were settled in a small lodging in a humble suburb; situated on the high road between Fernside and the metropolis.