I used to be always doing it, and to please Dorothea I have quite given it up." "Well," said John, "let that pass." He knew as well as possible what would be his father's wish, and he meant to let him gratify it.

He was a good son, and, as he had everything completely in his own power, he may be said to have been very indulgent to his father, but the old man did not know it any more than he did.
Mr.Augustus Mortimer had a fine house, handsomely appointed and furnished.

From time to time, as his son's family had increased, he had added accommodation.

There was an obvious nursery; there was an evident school-room, perfectly ready for the son, and only waiting, he often thought, till it should be said to his father, "Come up higher." It was one of John's theories that there should be a certain homely simplicity in the dress, food, and general surroundings of youthful humanity; that it should not have to walk habitually on carpets so rich that little dusty feet must needs do damage, and appear intruders; nor be made to feel all day that somebody was disturbed if somebody else was making himself happy according to his lights, and in his own fashion.
But of late Mr.Augustus Mortimer had begun to show a degree of infirmity which sometimes made his son uncomfortable that he should have to live alone.

To bring those joyous urchins and little, laughing, dancing, playful girls into his house was not to be thought of.