Charlie continued his studies, in a somewhat desultory way, having but small affection for books; kept up his fencing lesson diligently and learned to dance; quarrelled occasionally with his cousin Alured, spent a good deal of his time on horseback, and rode over, not unfrequently, to Rockley, choosing, as far as possible, the days and hours when he knew that Alured and his father were likely to be away.

He went over partly for his own pleasure, but more in compliance with his father's wishes.
"My cousin seldom comes over, herself," the latter said.

"I know, right well, that it is from no slackness of her own, but that her husband likes not her intimacy here.

It is well, then, that you should go over and see them, for it is only when you bring her that I see Ciceley.

I would she were your sister, lad, for she is a bright little maid, and would make the old house lively." Therefore, once a week or so, Charlie rode over early too Rockley, which was some five miles distant, and brought back Ciceley, cantering on her pony by his side, escorting her home again before nightfall.