5/18 There was nothing to prevent the son sitting at his father's table if he so pleased. He never did so please,--but nevertheless he continued to live in the house in Portman Square; and when he met the Earl, in the hall, perhaps, or on the staircase, would simply bow to him. Then the Earl would bow again, and shuffle on,--and look very wretched, as no doubt he was. A grown-up son must be the greatest comfort a man can have,--if he be his father's best friend; but otherwise he can hardly be a comfort. As it was in this house, the son was a constant thorn in his father's side. |