As it is, I have no money to help them with; and they have no brains to help themselves.

They appear to me to be three human superfluities in dirty jackets and noisy boots; and, unless they clear themselves off the community by running away, I don't myself profess to see what is to be done with them." Fortunately for the boys, Mr.Vanstone's views were still fast imprisoned in the ordinary prejudices.

At his intercession, and through his influence, Frank, Cecil, and Arthur were received on the foundation of a well-reputed grammar-school.

In holiday-time they were mercifully allowed the run of Mr.Vanstone's paddock; and were humanized and refined by association, indoors, with Mrs.Vanstone and her daughters.
On these occasions, Mr.Clare used sometimes to walk across from his cottage (in his dressing-gown and slippers), and look at the boys disparagingly, through the window or over the fence, as if they were three wild animals whom his neighbor was attempting to tame.

"You and your wife are excellent people," he used to say to Mr.Vanstone.