"You'll find plenty ready enough, but give them a week or two before you swear eternal friendship with any of them." Dick thought this rather strange advice, and got out of it by saying-- "Oh, I shall have Georgie Heathcote, you know.

I shan't much care about the other fellows." "Don't be too sure.

And, remember this, my boy, be specially on your guard with any of them that flatter you.

They'll soon find out your weak point and that's where they'll have you." Dick certainly considered this a little strong even for a parent.

But somehow the advice stuck, for all that, and he remembered it afterwards.
"As to other matters," said the father, "your mother, I know, has spoken for us both.