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I am like to have work to do there for my lord of Marlborough, whose coming to this country has set all the town in a commotion, as perchance you have heard." They had heard something of it even at Gablehurst; and Rachel eagerly asked Tom if he had seen the great Duke. "Oh, many times," answered Tom, with the complacency of one who feels himself a great man in his present surroundings.
Tufton of Gablehurst; let me present him to you, Sir James." The swarthy man looked Tom over from head to foot with an insolent stare. "A fine young cub," he said at length, "and well grown for his years. One of the gang, I suppose?" and there was an ugly sneer upon his thick lips.
"By my faith, London must be a marvellous place to live in!" quoth Tom, when at last he had been shown to the chamber prepared for his reception. "I feel as though I had been a year away from Gablehurst. Prithee, bestir to get my clothes ready, good Master Cale; for I shall know no rest till I have been abroad myself, and have seen these gay doings with mine own eyes!"
And yet, unworthy as he was idle, reckless, dissipated, a source of pain and anxiety to father, mother, and sister young Tom was beloved by the people in and about his home, albeit they all shook their heads over his follies and wildness, and wondered with bated breath what would befall Gablehurst when the young master should be lord of all.
"You do not like the arrangement, Tom; and yet I know it is the best which can be made." "Oh yes, in a way. I see what you mean. I don't understand scraping and paring myself; yet, of course, it will be best to get the mortgage paid off once and for all. I can see that well enough. But I confess it will be poor fun living at Gablehurst as a little boy tied to his mother's apron strings.
In sooth, I thank you heartily for this grace. The village of Gablethorpe is well known to some persons even in these parts; and Gablehurst is the largest house in the place. A hearty welcome will be yours, my lord, whenever you arrive there." "Thanks, good Tom. I doubt it not if thy folks are of thine own trusting kidney.
The Squire of Gablehurst had passed to his last account. "You had better let me go, mother. I shall do no good here." Tom stood before his mother with a flush upon his handsome face a flush that was one partly of shame, partly of anger, with a dash of excitement and eagerness thrown in. His mother was in tears.
If you fled to Gablehurst, you would only bring sorrow and shame on all who love you. Lucky for you your mother still reigns there. Leave it to me to set her mind, and that of your sister, at rest concerning you. But you must to the forest, my good comrade, and to the free and merry life there. Egad! I could wish that I were going with you myself! Indeed, I may perchance join you there ere long.
Tom's busy brain was planning a thousand ways in which his wealth might be expended. He would go forth. He would see the world. He would win fame and fortune. He would never return to Gablehurst until he brought with him a name which should cause the ears of those who knew him to tingle by reason of the fame he had won!
Tell me your name, young master, and let us talk this matter over together. I have ever sought to mingle mercy and discretion with the need for making a livelihood out of my fellowmen." Tom was surprised into a short laugh at this unexpected address. "I am Tom Tufton of Gablehurst," he began, but was quickly interrupted. "What! the son of the good Squire of Gablehurst! Lad, is this the truth?"
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