Page:Arminell, a social romance (1896).djvu/231

 Rh which will make me independent. Secured is, possibly, too decided a word—I have applied for one."

"I am glad to hear it, I am very glad. My lady said she thought you had a fancy for something else. But—don't have anything to do with Welsh. He will carry you along the wrong course, along one where I could do nothing for you, and, I will always help you when I can."

"My lord, whenever you can, with convenience, spare me—"

"Spare you! Oh don't let us stand in your way. You have almost got a berth to get into?"

"I have applied for a place which I may almost say I can calculate on having. My only difficulty has been, that I did not know when I should be at liberty. If your lordship would kindly allow me to leave immediately——"

"My dear fellow, suit your own convenience. We can manage with Giles. The rector will give him an hour or two of Latin and Greek, till the term begins, when he can go to school. I don't know that I won't let the monkey run wild till the time comes for the tasks to begin."

"Then, my lord, it is understood that I may go immediately?"

"Certainly."

Though Lord Lamerton gave his consent, he was a little surprised at the readiness of the tutor to leave Orleigh, and to throw up his situation before he had really secured another. There was something ungracious in his conduct after all the kindnesses he had received which jarred on his lordship's feelings. He had a real liking for the young man, and he was desirous that he should do well for himself. He was unable to resist the temptation to say—"You seem in a vast hurry to leave us, Saltren."

"I have reasons, my lord. Something has occurred which makes it imperative on me to leave this house immediately."