 Chapter 5 Little Lord Fauntaroy Chapter 5 It was late in the afternoon when the carriage containing Little Lord Fauntaroy and Mr. Heavenship drove up the Long Avenue, which led to the castle. The Earl had given orders that his grandson should arrive in time to dine with him, and for some reason, best known to himself, he had also ordered that the child should be sent alone into the room in which he intended to receive him. As the carriage rolled up the avenue, Lord Fauntaroy sat leaning comfortably against the luxurious cushions and regarded the prospect with great interest. He was, in fact, interested in everything he saw. He had been interested in the carriage with its large, splendid horses and their glittering harness. He had been interested in the tall coachmen and footmen with their resplendent livery, and he had been especially interested in the coronet on the panels, and had struck up an acquaintance with the footmen for the purpose of inquiring what it meant. When the carriage reached the great gates of the park, he looked out of the window to get a good view of the huge stone lines ornamenting the entrance. The gates were opened by a motherly, rosy-looking woman who came out of a pretty, ivy-covered lodge. Two children ran out of the door of the house and stood looking with round, wide-open eyes at the little boy in the carriage, who looked at them also. Their mother stood courtesy and smiling, and the children, unreceiving a sign from her, made bobbing little courtesies too. Does she know me? asked Lord Fauntaroy. I think she must think she knows me, and he took off his black velvet cap to her and smiled. How do you do? he said brightly. Good afternoon. The woman seemed pleased, he thought. The smile broadened on her rosy face, and a kind look came into her blue eyes. God bless your lordship, she said. God bless your pretty face. Good luck and happiness to your lordship. Welcome to you. Lord Fauntaroy waved his cap and nodded to her again as the carriage rolled by her. I like that woman, he said. She looks as if she liked boys. I should like to come here and play with her children. I wonder if she has enough to make up a company. Mr. Heavensham did not tell him that he would scarcely be allowed to make playmates at the gatekeepers' children. The lawyer thought there was time enough for giving him that information. The carriage rolled on and on between the great beautiful trees which grew on each side of the avenue and stretched their broad, swaying branches in an arch across it. Cedric had never seen such trees, they were so brand and stately, and their branches grew so low down on their huge trunks. He did not then know that Dorincourt Castle was one of the most beautiful in all England, and its park was one of the broadest and finest, and its trees and avenue almost without rivals. But he did know that it was all very beautiful. He loved the big broad-branched trees with the late afternoon sunlight striking golden lances through them. He liked the perfect stillness which rested on everything. He felt a great, strange pleasure in the beauty of which he caught glimpses under and between the sweeping boughs, the great, beautiful spaces of the park, and still other trees standing sometimes stately and alone, and sometimes in groups. Now and then they passed places where tall ferns grew in masses, and again and again the ground was as pure with the bluebells swaying in the soft breeze. Several times he started up with a laugh of delight as a rabbit leaped up from under the greenery and scutted away with a twinkle of short white tail behind it. Once a cubby of partridges rose with a sudden wear and flew away, and then he shouted and clapped his hands. It's a beautiful place, isn't it? he said to Mr. Havonsham. I never saw such a beautiful place. It's prettier even than Central Park. He was rather puzzled by the length of time they were on their way. How far is it? he said at length from the gate to the front door. It is between three and four miles, answered the lawyer. That's a long way for a person to live from his gate, remarked his lordship. Every few minutes he saw something new to wonder and admire. When he caught sight of the deer, some coached in the grass, some standing with their pretty antlered heads, turned with a half-startled air toward the avenue as the carriage wheels disturbed them. He was enchanted. Has there been a circus, he cried, or do they live here always? Whose are they? They live here, Mr. Havonsham told him. They belong to the earl, your grandfather. It was not long after this that they saw the castle. It rose up before them stately and beautiful and grey, the last rays of the sun casting dazzling lights on its many windows. It had torrents and battlements and towers, a great deal of ivy grew upon its walls. All the broad open space about it was laid out in terraces and lawns and beds of brilliant flowers. It's the most beautiful place I ever saw, said Cedric. His round face, flushing with pleasure, it reminds anyone of a king's palace. I saw a picture of one once in a fairy book. He saw the great entrance door thrown open and many servants standing in two lines looking at him. He wondered why they were standing there and admired their liveries very much. He did not know that they were there to do honour to the little boy to whom all this splendour would one day belong. The beautiful castle, like the fairy king's palace, the magnificent park, the grand old trees, the dells, full of ferns and bluebells, where the hares and rabbits played. The deckled, large idea, couching in the deep grass. It was only a couple of weeks since he had sat with Mr Hobbes among the potatoes and canned peaches with his legs dangling from the high stool. It would not have been possible for him to realise that he had very much to do with all this grandeur. At the head of the line of servants there stood an elderly woman in a rich, plain black silk gown. She had grey hair and more a cap. As he entered the hall she stood nearer than the rest and the child thought from the look in her eyes that she was going to speak to him. Mr Heavensham, who held his hand, paused a moment. This is Lord Fauntaroy, Mrs Mellon, he said. Lord Fauntaroy, this is Mrs Mellon, who is the housekeeper. Cedric gave her his hand, his eyes lighting up. Was it you who sent the cat, he said. I am much obliged to you, ma'am. Mrs Mellon's handsome old face looked as pleased as the face of the lodgekeeper's wife had done. I should know his lordship anywhere, she said to Mr Heavensham. He has the captain's face and way. It's a great day this, sir. Cedric wondered why it was a great day. He looked at Mrs Mellon curiously. It seemed to him for a moment as if there were tears in her eyes and yet it was evident she was not unhappy. She smiled down on him. The cat left two beautiful kittens here, she said. They shall be sent up to your lordship's nursery. Mr Heavensham said a few words to her in a low voice. In the library, sir, Mrs Mellon replied. His lordship is to be taken there alone. A few minutes later, the very tall footman in livery, who had escorted Cedric to the library door, opened it and announced, Lord Fauntaroy, my lord, in quite a majestic tone. If he was only a footman, he felt it was rather a grand occasion when the air came home to his own land and possessions and was ushered into the presence of the old earl. His place and title he was to take. Cedric crossed the threshold into the room. It was a very large and splendid room with massive carbon furniture in it and shelves upon shelves, the books. The furniture was so dark and the drapery so heavy the diamond-pane windows were so deep and it seemed such a distance from one end of it to the other that, since the sun had gone down, the effect of it all was rather gloomy. For a moment Cedric thought there was nobody in the room but soon he saw that by the fire burning on the white harp there was a large, easy chair and that in the chair someone was sitting, someone who did not at first turn to look at him. But he had attracted attention in one quarter at least. On the floor by the armchair lay a dog, a huge, tawny mastic with body and limbs almost as big as a lion's and this great creature rose majestically and slowly and marched toward the little fellow with a heavy step. Then the person in the chair spoke. Dalgle, he called, come back, sir. But there was no more fear in little Lord Fonterora's heart than there was of unkindness. He had been a brave little fellow all his life. He put his hand on the big dog's collar in the most natural way in the world and they strayed forward together. Dalgle sniffing as he went. And then the ear looked up. What Cedric saw was the large old man with shaggy white hair and eyebrows and a nose like an eagle's beak between his deep, pierced eyes. What the ear saw was a graceful, childish figure in a black velvet suit with a lace collar and with love locks waving about the handsome, manly little face. His eyes met his with a look of innocent good fellowship. If the castle was like the palace in a fairy story it must be owned that little Lord Fonterora was himself rather like a small copy of the fairy prince though he was not at all aware of the fact and perhaps was rather a sturdy young model of a fairy. But there was a sudden glow of triumph and exultation in the fiery, old ear's heart as he saw what a strong, beautiful boy this grandson was and how, unhesitatingly, he looked up as he stood with his hand on the big dog's neck. It pleased the grim old nobleman that the child should show no shyness or fear either of the dog or of himself. Cedric looked at him just as he had looked at the woman at the lodge and at the housekeeper and came quite close to him. A year the earl, he said, I am your grandson, you know, that Mr. Havensham brought. I am Lord Fonterora. He held out his hand because he thought it must be the polite and proper thing to do even with earls. I hope you are very well, he continued with the utmost friendliness. I am very glad to see you. The earl shook hands with him with a curious gleam in his eyes. At first he was so astonished that he scarcely knew what to say. He stared at the picturesque little apparition from under his shaggy brows and took it all in from head to foot. Glad to see me, are you? he said. Yes, answered Lord Fonterora very. There was a chair near him and he sat down on it. It was a high-backed, rather tall chair and his feet did not touch the floor when he had settled himself in it. But he seemed to be quite comfortable as he sat there and regarded his august relative intently but modestly. I kept wondering what you would look like, he remarked. I used to lie in my birth in the ship and wonder if you would be anything like my father. Am I? asked the earl. Well, Cedric replied. I was very young when he died and I may not remember exactly how he looked but I don't think you are like him. You were disappointed, I suppose. Suggested his grandfather. Oh no, responded Cedric politely. Of course you would like anyone to look like your father. But of course you would enjoy the way your grandfather looked even if he wasn't like your father. You know how it is yourself about admiring your relations. The earl leaned back in his chair and said he could not be said to know how it was about admiring his relations. He had employed most of his noble leisure in quarrelling violently with them, in turning them out of his house and applying abusive epithets to them and they all hated him quarterly. Any boy would love his grandfather continued Lord Fauntleroy, especially one that had been as kind to him as you have been. Another queer gleam came into the old nobleman's eyes. Oh, he said, I have been kind to you, have I? Yes, answered Lord Fauntleroy brightly. I am ever so much obliged to you about Bridger and the Apple Woman and Dick. Bridger exclaimed the earl, Dick, the Apple Woman? Yes, exclaimed Cedric, the ones you gave me all the money for. The money you told Mr. Heavensham to give me if I wanted it. Ah, ejaculated his lordship. That's it, is it? The money you were to spend as you liked. What did you buy with it? I should like to hear something about that. He drew his shaggy eyebrows together and looked at the child sharply. He was secretly curious to know in what way the lad had indulged himself. Oh, said Lord Fauntleroy, perhaps you didn't know about Dick and the Apple Woman and Bridger. I forgot you lived such a long way off from them. They were particular friends of mine and you see Michael had to feed her. Who's Michael? Ask the earl. Michael is Bridger's husband and they were in great trouble. When a man is sick and can't work and has 12 children, you know how it is and Michael has always been a sober man and Bridger used to come to our house and cry and the evening Mr. Heavensham was there. She was in the kitchen crying because they had almost nothing to eat and couldn't pay the rent and I went in to see her and Mr. Heavensham sent for me and he said, you had given him some money for me and I ran as fast as I could into the kitchen and gave it to Bridger and that made it all right and Bridger could scarcely believe her eyes. That's why I am so obliged to you. Oh, said the earl in his deep voice, that was one of the things you did for yourself, wasn't it? What else? Dargull had been sitting by the tall chair. The great dog had taken its place there when Cedric sat down. Several times it had turned and looked up at the boy as if interested in the conversation. Dargull was a solemn dog who seemed to feel altogether too big to take life's responsibilities lightly. The old earl who knew the dog well had watched it with secret interest. Dargull was not a dog whose habit it was to make acquaintances rashly and the earl wondered somewhat to see how quietly the brute sat under the touch of the childish hand. And just at this moment the big dog gave Lord Fauntleroy one more look at dignified scrutiny and deliberately laid its huge lion-like head on the boy's black velvet knee. The small hand went on striking this new friend as Cedric answered, Well, there was Dick, he said. You'd like Dick, he's so square. This was an Americanism the earl was not prepared for. What does that mean, he inquired. Lord Fauntleroy poised a moment to reflect. He was not very sure himself what it meant. He had taken it for granted as meaning something very creditable because Dick had been fond of using it. I think it means that he wouldn't cheat anyone, he exclaimed, or he'd a boy who was under his size and that he blacks people's boots very well and makes them shine as much as he can. He's a professional boot-black and he's one of your acquaintances, is he, said the earl. He is an old friend of mine, replied his grandson, not quite as old as Mr Hobbes, but quite old. He put his hand into his pocket and drew forth a neatly folded red object and opened it with an air of affectionate pride. It was the red silk handkerchief with the large purple horseshoes and heads on it. He gave me this, said his young old ship. I shall keep it always. You can wear it round your neck or keep it in your pocket. He bought it with the first money he earned after I bought Jake out of the ship. I bought Jake out and gave him the new brushes. It's a keepsake. I put some poetry in Mr Hobbes's watch. It was, When this you see, remember me. When this I see, I shall always remember Dick. The sensations of the right honourable the earl of Doroncourt could scarcely be described. He was not an old nobleman who was very easily bewildered because he had seen a great deal of the world. But here was something he found so novel that it almost took his lordly breath away and caused him some singular emotions. He had never cared for children. He had been so occupied with his own pleasures that he had never had time to care for them. His own sons had not interested him when they were very young. Though sometimes he remembered having thought Cedric's father a handsome and strong little fellow. He had been so selfish himself that he had missed the pleasure of seeing unselfishness in others. And he had not known how tender and faithful and affectionate a kind hearted little child can be. And how innocent and unconscious are its simple, generous impulses. A boy had always seemed to him a most objectionable little animal. Selfish and greedy and boisterous were not under strict restraint. His own two elder sons had given their tutors constant trouble and annoyance. And of the younger one he fancied. He had heard few complaints because the boy was of no particular importance. It had never once occurred to him that he should like his grandson. He had sent for the little Cedric because his pride impelled him to do so. If the boy was to take his place in the future he did not wish his name to be made ridiculous by descending to an uneducated ball. He had been convinced the boy would be a clownish fellow if he were brought up in America. He had no feeling of affection for the land. His only hope was that he should find him decently well-featured and with a respectable share of sense. He had been so disappointed in his other sons and had been made so furious by Captain Errol's American marriage that he had never once thought that anything credible could come of it. When the footman had announced Lord Fauntelroy he had almost dreaded to look at the boy lest he should find him already had feared. It was because of this feeling that he had ordered that the child should be sent to him alone. His pride could not endure that others should see his disappointment if he was to be disappointed. His proud, stubborn, old heart therefore had leaped within him when the boy came forward with his graceful easy carriage. His fearless hand on the big dog's neck even in the moments when he had hoped the most the Earl had never hoped that his grandson would look like that. It seemed almost too good to be true that this should be the boy he had dreaded to see. The child of the woman he so disliked this little fellow with so much beauty and such a brave, childish grace the Earl's stern composure was quite shaken by this startling surprise. And then their talk began and he was still more curiously moved and more and more puzzled. In the first place he was so used to seeing people rather afraid and embarrassed before him that he had expected nothing else but that his grandson would be timid or shy but Cedric was no more afraid of the Earl than he had been of dowel. He was not bold he was only innocently friendly and he was not conscious that there could be any reason why he should be awkward or afraid. The Earl could not help seeing that the little boy took him through a friend and treated him as one without having any doubt of him at all. It was quite plain as the little fellow sat there in his tall chair and talked in his friendly way that it had never occurred to him that this large, fierce-looking old man could be anything but kind to him and rather pleased to see him there. And it was plain, too, that in his childish way he wished to please and interest his grandfather cross and heart-hearted and worldly as the old Earl was he could not help feeling a secret and novel pleasure in his very confidence. Therefore it was not disagreeable to meet someone who did not distrust him or shrink from him or seem to detect the ugly part of his nature someone who looked at him with clear unsuspecting eyes if it was only a little boy in a black velvet suit. So the old man leaned back in his chair and led his young companion on to telling him still more of himself with that odd gleam in his eyes watched the little fellow as he talked. Lord Fauntleroy was quite willing to answer all his questions and chatted on in his genial little way quite composedly. He told him all about Dick and Jake and the Apple Woman and Mr. Holmes. He described the Republican rally in all the glory of its banners and transparencies, tortures and rockets. During the course of the conversation he reached the Fourth of July and the Revolution and was just becoming enthusiastic when he suddenly recollected something and stopped very abruptly. What is the matter? demanded his grandfather. Why don't you go on? Lord Fauntleroy moved rather uneasily in his chair. It was evident to the earl that he was embarrassed by the thought which had just occurred to him. I was just thinking that perhaps you might not like it, he replied. Perhaps someone belonging to you might have been there. I forgot you were an Englishman. You can go on, said my lord. No one belonging to me was there. You forgot you were an Englishman too. Oh no, said Cedric quickly. I'm an American. You are an Englishman, said the earl rimly. Your father was an Englishman? It amused him a little to say this, but it did not amuse Cedric. The lad had never thought for such a development as this. He felt himself grow quite hot up to the roots of his hair. I was born in America, he protested. You had to be an American if you are born in America. I beg your pardon. With serious politeness and delicacy. The contradicting you. Mr Hobbes told me if there were another war you know I should have to to be an American. The earl gave a grim half laugh. It was short and grim, but it was a laugh. You would, would you? He said. He hated America and Americans but it amused him to see how serious and interested this small patriot was. He thought that so good an American might make a rather good Englishman when he was a man. They had not time to go very deep into the revolution again and indeed Lord Fonteroy felt some delicacy about returning to the subject before dinner was announced. Cedric left his chair and went to his noble pinsman. He looked down at his gouty foot. Would you like me to help you? He said politely. You could lean on me, you know. Once when Mr Hobbes heard his foot with a potato barrel rolling on it, he used to lean on me. The big footman almost periled his reputation and his situation by smiling. He was an aristocratic footman who had always lived in the best of noble families and he had never smiled. Indeed, he would have felt himself a disgraced footman if he had allowed himself to be led by any circumstance, whatever into such, and in discretion as a smile. But he had a very narrow escape. He only just saved himself by staring straight over the earl's head at a very ugly picture. The earl looked his valiant young relative over from head to foot. Do you think you could do it? He asked roughly. He said, I'm strong, I'm seven, you know. You could lean on your stick on one side and on me on the other. Dick says I'm a good deal of muscle for a boy that's only seven. He shut his hand and moved it upward to his shoulder so that the earl might see the muscle Dick had kindly approved of. And his face was so grave and earnest that the footman found it necessary to look very hard indeed at the ugly picture. Well, said the earl, you may try. Cedric gave him his stick and began to assist him to rise. Usually the footman did this and was violently sworn at when his lordship had an extra twinge of gout. The earl was not a very polite person as a rule and many a time the huge footman about him quaked inside their imposing liveries. But this evening he did not swear. Though his gouty foot gave him more twinges than one, he chose to try and experiment. He got up slowly and put his hand on the small shoulder presented to him with so much courage. Little Lord Fauntleroy made a careful step forward looking down at the gouty foot. Just lean on me, he said, with encouraging good cheer. He walked very slowly. If the earl had been supported by the footman, he would have rested less on his stick and more on his assistant's arm. And yet it was part of his experiment to let his grandson feel his burden as no lightweight. It was quite a heavy weight indeed and after a few steps his young lordship's face grew quite hot and his heart beat rather fast. Little Lord Fauntleroy graced himself sturdily, remembering his muscle and dick's approval of it. Don't be afraid of leaning on me, he panted, I'm alright, if it isn't a very long way. It was not really very part of the dining room but it seemed rather a long way to Cedric before they reached the chair at the head of the table. The hand on his shoulder and his face grew redder and hotter and his breath shorter but he never thought of giving up. He stiffened his childish muscles, held his head erect and encouraged the earl as he limped along. Does your foot hurt you very much when you stand on it? He asked. Did you ever put it in hot water and mustard? Mr. Hobbes used to put his in hot water. The big dog stalked slowly beside them and the footmen followed. Several times he looked very queer as he watched the little figure making the very most of all its strength and bearing its burden with such goodwill. The earl too looked rather queer once as he glanced sideways down at the flushed little face. When they entered the room where they were to dine they were sure it was a very large and imposing one and that the footmen who stood behind the chair at the head of the table stared very hard as they came in. But they reached the chair at last. The hand was removed from his shoulder and the earl was fairly seated. Cedric took out Dick's handkerchief and wiped his forehead. It's a warm night isn't it? Perhaps you need a fire because of your foot but it seems just a little warm to me. His delicate consideration for his noble relative's feelings was such that he did not wish to seem to intimate that any of his surroundings were unnecessary. You have been doing some rather hard work said the earl. Oh no said Lord Fauntleroy. It wasn't exactly hard but I got a little warm. A person will get warm in summertime and he rubbed his damped curls rather vigorously with the gorgeous handkerchief. His own chair was placed at the other end of the table opposite his grandfather's. It was a chair with arms and intended for a much larger individual than himself. Indeed everything he had seen so far the great rooms with their high ceilings the massive furniture the big footmen the big dog, the earl himself were all of proportions calculated to make this little lad feel that he was very small indeed but that did not trouble him. He had never thought himself very large or important and he was quite willing to accommodate himself even to circumstances which rather overpowered him. Perhaps he had never looked so little a fellow as when seated now in his great chair at the end of the table notwithstanding his solitary existence the earl chose to live in some state. He was fond of his dinner and he dined in a formal style. Cedric looked at him across a glitter of splendid glass and plate which to his unaccustomed eyes seemed quite dazzling. A stranger looking on might well have smiled at the picture the great stately room the big livered servants the bright lights the glittering silver and glass the fierce looking old nobleman at the head of the table and the very small boy at the foot dinner was usually a very serious matter with the earl and it was a very serious matter with the cook if his lordship was not pleased an indifferent appetite. Today however his appetite seemed a trifle better than usual perhaps because he had something to think of besides the flavour of the entrees and the management of the gravies. His grandson gave him something to think of he kept looking at him across the table he did not say very much himself but he managed to make the boy talk he never imagined that he could be entertained by hearing a child talk but lord Fauntleroy at once puzzled and amused him and he kept remembering how he had let the childish shoulder feel his weight just for the sake of trying how far the boy's courage and endurance would go and it pleased him to know that his grandson had not quailed and had not seemed to think even for a moment of giving up what he had undertaken to do you don't wear your coronet all the time remark lord Fauntleroy respectfully no replied the earl with his grim smile it is not becoming to me Mr Hobbs said you always wore it said Cedric but after he thought it over he said he suppose you must sometimes take it off to put your hat on yes said the earl I take it off occasionally and one of the footmen suddenly turned aside and gave a similar little cough behind his hand Cedric finished his dinner first and then he leaned back in his chair and took a survey of the room you must be very proud of your house he said it's such a beautiful house I never saw anything so beautiful but of course as I'm only 7 I haven't seen much and you think I must be proud of it do you said the earl I should think anyone would be proud of it replied lord Fauntleroy I should be proud of it if it were my house everything about it is beautiful and the park and those trees how beautiful they are and how the leaves rustle then he paused and looked across the table rather wistfully it's a very big house for just two people to live in isn't it he said it is quite large enough for two answered the earl do you find it too large his little lordship hesitated a moment I was only thinking he said that if two people lived in it who were not very good companions they might feel lonely sometimes do you think I shall make a good companion inquired the earl yes replied Cedric I think you will Mr Hobbs and I were great friends he was the best friend I had except dearest the earl made a quick movement of his bushy eyebrows who is dearest she is my mother said lord Fauntleroy in a rather low quiet little voice he was a trifle tired as his bedtime was nearing and perhaps after the excitement of the last few days it was natural he should be tired so perhaps too the feeling of weariness brought to him a vague sense of loneliness in the remembrance that tonight he was not to sleep at home watched over by the loving eyes of that best friend of his they had always been best friends this boy and his young mother he could not help thinking of her and the more he thought of her the less was he inclined to talk and by the time the dinner was at an end the earl thought that there was a faint shadow on his face but Cedric bore himself with excellent courage and when they went back to the library though the tall footman walked on one side of his master the earl's hand looked at on his grandson's shoulder though not so heavily as before when the footman left them alone Cedric sat down upon the hearth rug near Daugall for a few minutes he stroked the dog's ears in silence and looked at the fire the earl watched him the boy's eyes looked wistful and thoughtful and once or twice he gave a little sigh the earl sat still and he kept his eyes fixed on his grandson Fauntelroy he said at last what are you thinking of Fauntelroy looked up with a manful effort at a smile I was thinking about dearest he said and I think I'd better get up and walk up and down the room he rose up and put his hands in his small pockets and began to walk to and through his eyes were very bright and his lips were pressed together but he kept his head up and walked firmly Daugall moved lazily and looked at him and then stood up he walked over to the child and began to follow him uneasily Fauntelroy drew one hand from his pocket and laid it on the dog's head he's a very nice dog he said he's my friend, he knows how I feel how do you feel asked the earl it disturbed him to see the struggle the little fella was having with his first feeling of homesickness but it pleased him to see that he was making so brave an effort to bear it well he liked this childish courage come here he said Fauntelroy went to him I never was away from my own house before said the boy with a troubled look in his brown eyes it makes a person feel a strange feeling when he has to stay all night in another person's castle instead of his own house the dearest is not very far away from me she told me to remember that and and I'm seven and I can look at the picture she gave me he put his hand in his pocket and brought out a small violet velvet cupboard case this is it he said you see you press this spring and it opens and she is in there he had come close to the earl's chair and as he drew forth the little case he leaned against the arm of it and against the old man's arm too as confidingly as if children had always leaned there there she is he said as the case opened and he looked up with a smile the earl netted his brows he did not wish to see the picture but he looked at it in spite of himself and there looked up at him from such a pretty young face a face so like the child at his side that it quite startled him I suppose you think you over find of her he said yes answered Lord Fonteroi in a gentle tone and with simple directness I do think so and I think it's true you see Mr Hobbes was my friend and Dick and Bridget and Mary and Michael they were my friends too but dearest well she is my close friend and we always tell each other everything my father left her to me to take care of and when I am a man I am going to work and earn money for her what do you think of doing inquired his grandfather his young lordship slipped down upon the half rug and sat there with the picture still in his hand he seemed to be reflecting seriously before he answered I did think perhaps I might go into business with Mr Hobbes he said but I should like to be a president we will send you to the House of Lords instead said his grandfather well remarked Lord Fonteroi if I couldn't be a president and if that is a good business I shouldn't mind the grocery business is dull sometimes perhaps he was weighing the matter in his mind for he sat very quiet after this and looked at the fire for some time he did not speak again he leaned back in his chair and watched him a great many strange new thoughts pass through the old nobleman's mind Daigle had stretched himself out and gone to sleep with his head on his huge paws there was a long silence in about half an hour's time Mr Habensham was ushered in the great room was very still when he entered he was still leaning back in his chair he moved as Mr Habensham approached and held up his hand in a gesture of warning it seemed as if he had scarcely intended to make the gesture as if it were almost involuntary Daigle was still asleep and close beside the great doll sleeping also with his curly head upon his arm lay little lord Fonteroi end of chapter 5 chapter 6 little lord Fonteroi this is the LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne little lord Fonteroi by Francis H Burnett chapter 6 when lord Fonteroi in the morning he had not wakened at all when he had been carried to bed the night before the first sounds he was conscious of were the crackling of a wood fire and the murmur of voices you will be careful Dawson not to say anything about it he heard someone say he does not know why she is not to be with him and the reason is to be kept from him another voice answered they'll have to be kept I suppose but if you'll excuse the liberty mem as it's between ourselves servant or no servant all I have to say is it's a cruel thing parting that poor, pretty young wedded creature from her own flesh and blood and him such a little beauty and a nobleman born James and Thomas mem last night in the servants hall they both of them say as they never see anything in their two lives nor yet no other gentleman in livery like that little fellow's ways as innocent and polite and interested as if he'd been sitting there dining with his best friend and the temper of an angel instead of one if you'll excuse me mem as it's well known it's enough to curdle your blood and as to looks mem when we was rung for James and me to go into the library and bring him upstairs and James lifted him up in his arms what with his little innocent face all red and rosy and his little head on James's shoulder and his hair hanging down all curly and shining a prettier, tanker-ness sight you'd never wish to see and it's my opinion my lord wasn't blind to it neither that he looked at him and he says to James so you don't wake him he says Cedric moved on his pillow and turned over opening his eyes there were two women in the room everything was bright and cheerful with gay-flawed chins there was a fire on the half and the sunshine was streaming in through the ivy and twine windows both women came toward him and he saw that one of them was Mrs. Malone the housekeeper and the other a comfortable middle-aged woman with a face as kind and good-humoured as a face could be good morning my lord said Mrs. Malone did you sleep well his lordship rubbed his eyes and smiled good morning he said I didn't know I was here you were carried upstairs when you were asleep this is your bedroom and this is Dawson who is to take care of you Fauntelroy sat up in bed and held at his hand to Dawson as he had held it out to the earl how do you do ma'am he said I'm much obliged to you for coming to take care of me you can call her Dawson my lord said the housekeeper with a smile she's used to being called Dawson Mrs. Dawson or Mrs. Dawson inquired his lordship just Dawson my lord said Dawson herself beaming all over neither miss or misses bless your little heart will you get up now and let Dawson dress you and then have your breakfast in the nursery I learned to dress myself many years ago thank you answered Fauntelroy dearest taught me dearest is my mama to do all the work washing and all and so of course it wouldn't do to give her so much trouble I can take my bath too pretty well if you'll just be kind enough to them and the corners after I'm done Dawson and the housekeeper exchanged glances Dawson will do anything you ask her to said Mrs. Melon that I will bless him said Dawson in a comforting good-humoured voice she likes and I'll stand by ready to help him if he wants me thank you responded lord Fauntelroy it's a little hard sometimes about the buttons you know and then I have to ask somebody he thought Dawson a very kind woman and before the bath and the dressing were finished they were excellent friends and he had found out a great deal about her he had discovered that her husband had been a soldier and had been killed in a real battle and that her son was a sailor and was away on a long cruise and that he had seen pirates and cannonballs and Chinese people and Turks and that he brought home strange shells and pieces of coral which Dawson was ready to show at any moment some of them being in her trunk all this was very interesting he also found out that she had taken care of little children all her life and that she had just come from a great house in another part of England where she had been taking care of a beautiful little girl whose name was Lady Gwyneth Vaughn and she is sort of relation to your lordships said Dawson and perhaps sometime you may see her do you think I shall said Fauntelroy I should like that I never knew any little girls but I always like to look at them when he went into the adjoining room to take his breakfast and saw what a great room it was and found there was another adjoining it which Dawson told him was his also the feeling that he was very small indeed came over him again so strongly that he confided it to Dawson as he sat down to the table and the pretty breakfast service was arranged I am a very little boy he said rather wistfully to live in such a large castle and have so many big rooms don't you think so oh come said Dawson you feel just a little strange at first that's all but you'll get over that very soon and then you'll like it here it's such a beautiful place you know a place of course said Funtelroy with a little sigh but I should like it better if I didn't miss dearer so I always had my breakfast with her in the morning and put the sugar and cream in her tea for her and handed her the toast that made it very sociable of course oh well answered Dawson you know you can see her every day I love her bless you wait till you've walked about a bit and seen things the dogs and the stables with all the horses in them there's one of them I know you like to see is there exclaimed Funtelroy I'm very fond of horses I was very fond of Jim he was the horse that belonged to Mr Hobbes grocery wagon he was a beautiful horse wait till you've seen what's in the stables and deary me you haven't looked even into the very next room yet what is there? asked Funtelroy wait until you've had your breakfast and then you shall see said Dawson at this he naturally began to grow curious and he applied himself assiduously to his breakfast it seemed to him that there must be something worth looking at in the next room Dawson had such a consequential mysterious air now then he said slipping off his seat a few minutes later I've had enough can I go and look at it Dawson nodded and led the way looking more mysterious and important than ever he began to be very much interested indeed when she opened the door of the room he stood upon the threshold of him in amazement he did not speak he only put his hands in his pockets and stood there flushing up to his forehead and looking in he flushed up because he was so surprised and for the moment excited to see such a place was enough to surprise any ordinary boy the room was a large one too as all the room seemed to be and it appeared to him more beautiful than the rest only in a different way the furniture was not so massive and antique as was that in the rooms he had seen downstairs the draperies and rugs and walls were brighter there were shelves full of books and on the tables were numbers of toys beautiful ingenious things such as he looked at with wonder and delight through the shop windows in New York it looks like a boys room he said at last catching his breath a little whom do they belong to go and look at them said Dawson they belong to you to me he cried to me why do they belong to me who gave them to me and he sprung forward with a gay little shout it seemed almost too much to be believed it was Grandpa his eyes as bright as stars I know it was Grandpa yes it was his lordship said Dawson and if you will be a nice little gentleman and not afraid about things and will enjoy yourself and be happy all the day he will give you anything you ask for it was a tremendously exciting morning there were so many things to be examined so many experiments to be tried each novelty was so absorbing that he could scarcely turn from it to look at the next and it was so curious to know that all this had been prepared for himself alone that even before he had left New York people had come down from London to arrange the rooms he was to occupy and had provided the books and play things most likely to interest him did you ever know anyone he said to Dawson who had such a kind grandfather Dawson's face for an uncertain expression for a moment she had not a very high opinion of his lordship the Earl she had not been in the house many days but she had been there long enough to hear the old nobleman's peculiarities discuss very freely in the servants hall and of all the wishes savage, hill-tempered whole fellows that was on my hill like to wear livery thunder the tallest footman had said he's the wildest and worst by a long shot and this particular footman whose name was Thomas had also repeated to his companions below stairs some of the Earl's remarks to Mr. Havensham when they had been discussing these very preparations give him his own way and fill his room with toys give him what will amuse him and he'll forget about his mother quickly enough amuse him and fill his mind with other things and we shall have no trouble that's boy nature so perhaps having had this truly only of all objecting view it did not please him so very much to find it did not seem to be exactly this particular boy's nature the Earl had passed a bad night and his dad spent the morning in his room but at noon after he had lunch he said for his grandson Faunt Arroy answered the summons at once he came down the broad staircase with a bounding step the Earl heard him run across the hall and then the door opened and he came in with red cheeks and sparkling eyes I was waiting for you to send for me he said I was ready a long time ago I'm ever so much obliged to you for all those things I'm ever so much obliged to you I had been playing with them all morning oh said the Earl you like them do you I like them so much well I couldn't tell you how much said Faunt Arroy his face glowing with light there's one that's like baseball and you play it on a board with black and white pegs you keep your score with some counters on a wire I tried to teach Dawson but she couldn't quite understand it just at first you see she never played baseball being a lady and I'm afraid I wasn't very good at explaining it to her but you know all about it don't you I'm afraid I don't replied the Earl it's an American game isn't it is it something like cricket the sore cricket said Faunt Arroy but Mr Hobbes took me several times to see baseball it's a splendid game you get so excited would you like me to go and get my game and show it to you perhaps it would amuse you and make you forget about your foot does your foot hurt you very much this morning more than I enjoy was the answer then perhaps you couldn't forget it said the little fellow anxiously perhaps it would bother you to be told about the game do you think it would amuse you or do you think it would bother you go and get it said the Earl it certainly was a novel entertainment this making a companion of a child who offered to teach him to play games but the very novelty of it amused him there was a smile lurking about the Earl's mouth when Cedric came back with the box containing the game in his arms and an expression of the most eager interest on his face may I pull that little table over here to your chair he asked ring for Thomas said the Earl he will place it for you oh I can do it myself answered Faunt Arroy it's not very heavy very well replied his grandfather the lurking smile deepened on the old man's face as he watched the little fellow's preparations there was such an absorbed interest in them the small table was dragged forward and placed by his chair and the game taken from its box and arranged upon it it's very interesting when you once begin said Faunt Arroy you see the black pegs can be your side and the white ones mine they're men you know and once round the field is a home run and counts one and these are the Alps and here is the first base and that's the second and that's the third and that's the home base he entered into the details of explanation with the greatest animation he showed all the attitudes of picture and catcher and better in the real game and gave a dramatic description of a wonderful hotball he had seen court on the glorious occasion on which he had witnessed a matching company with Mr. Holmes his vigorous graceful little body his eager gestures his simple enjoyment of it all were pleasant to behold when at last the explanations and illustrations were at an end and the game began in good earnest the Earl still found himself entertained his young companion was wholly absorbed he played with all his childish heart his gay little laughs when he made a good throw his enthusiasm over a home run his impartial delight over his own good luck and his opponents would have given a flavour to any game if a week before anyone had told the Earl of Doron Court that on that particular morning he would be forgetting his gout and his bad temper in a child's game played with black and white wooden pegs on a gaily painted board with a curly headed small boy through companion he would without doubt have made himself very unpleasant and yet he certainly had forgotten himself when the door opened and Thomas announced a visitor the visitor in question who was an elderly gentleman in black and no lesser person than the clergyman of the parish was so startled by the amazing scene which met his eye that he almost fell back at pace and ran some risk of colliding with Thomas there was in fact no part of his duty that the Reverend Mr Muldorn found so decidedly unpleasant as that part which compelled him to call upon his noble patron at the castle his noble patron indeed usually made these visits as disagreeable as it lay in his lordly power to make them he aboard churches and charities and flew into violent ranges when any of his tenetry took the liberty of being poor and ill and needing assistance when his gout was at its worst he did not hesitate to announce that he would not be bored and irritated by being told stories of their miserable misfortunes when his gout travelled him less and he was in a somewhat more humane frame of mind he would perhaps give the rectus some money after having bullied him in the most painful manner and berated the whole parish for its shiplessness and imbecility but whatsoever his mood he never failed to make as many sarcastic and embarrassing speeches as possible and to cause the reverent Mr Muldorn to wish it were proper and Christian-like to throw something heavy at him during all the years in which Mr Muldorn had been in charge of Doron Court Parish the rectus certainly did not remember having seen his lordship of his own free will or under any circumstances whatever show that he thought of anyone but himself he had called today to speak to him of a specially pressing case and as he had walked up the avenue he had for two reasons created his visit more than usual in the first place he knew that his lordship had for several days been suffering with the gout and had been so villainous a humor that rumors of it had even reached the village carried there by one of the young women's servants to her sister who kept a little shop and retailed darning needles and cotton and peppermints and gossip as a means of earning an honest living what Mrs Dibble did not know about the castle and its inmates and the farmhouses and their inmates the village and its population was really not worth being talked about and of course she knew everything about the castle because her sister Jane Shorts was one of the upper housemaids and was very friendly and intimate with Thomas and the way his lordship do go on said Mrs Dibble over the counter and the way he do use language Mr Thomas told Jane herself no flesh and blood as in livery could stand for throw a plate of toast at Mr Thomas his self he did not more than two days since and if it weren't for other things being agreeable and the society below stairs most genteel warning would have been gave within an hour and the Rector had heard all of this for somehow the earl was a favourite black sheep in the cottages and farmhouses and his bad behaviour gave many a good woman something to talk about when she had company to tea and the second reason was even worse because it was a new one and had been talked about with the most excited interest who did not know of the old nobleman's fury when his handsome son the captain had married the American lady who did not know how cruelly he had treated the captain and how the big gay sweet smiling young man who was the only member of the grand family anyone liked had died in a foreign land poor and unforgiven who did not know how fiercely his lordship had hated the poor young creature who had been his son's wife and how he had hated the thought of her child and never meant to see the boy until his two sons died without an ear and then who did not know that he had looked forward without any affection or pleasure to his grandsons coming and that he had made up his mind that he should find the boy a vulgar awkward, pert American lad more likely to disgrace his noble name than to honour it the proud angry old man thought he had kept all his thoughts secret he did not suppose anyone had dared to guess at much less talk over what he felt and dreaded that his servants watched him and read his face and his ill humours and fits a gloom and discussed them in the servants hall and while he thought himself quite secure from the common hood Thomas was telling Jane and the cook and the butler and the housemaids and the other footmen that it was his opinion that the old man was worse than usual at thinking hobber the captain's boy and anticipating as he won't be no credit to the family and serve him right at a Thomas hits his own folk what can he expect from a child brought up in poor circumstances in that there low America and as the reverend Mr. Mordewald walked under the great trees he remembered that this questionable little boy had arrived at the castle only the evening before and that there were nine chances to one that his lordship's worst fears were realised and 22 chances to one that if the poor little fellow had disappointed him the earl was even now in a tearing rage and ready to vent all his rancour on the first person who called which it appeared probable would be his reverend self to judge them over his amazement when as Thomas opened the library door his ears were greeted by a delighted ring of childish laughter that's two out shouted an excited clear little voice you see it's two out and there was the earl's chair and the gout's stool and he's put on it and by him a small table came on it and quite close to him actually leaning against his arm and his un-gouty knee was a little boy with face glowing and eyes dancing with excitement it's two out the little stranger cried you hadn't any luck that time had you and then they both recognised at once that someone had come in the earl glanced round the eyebrows as he had a trick of doing and when he saw who it was Mr Maudaunt was still more surprised to see that he looked even less disagreeable than usual instead of more so in fact he looked almost as if he had forgotten for the moment how disagreeable he was and how unpleasant he really could make himself when he tried ah he said in his harsh voice but giving his hand rather graciously good morning Maudaunt I found a new employment you see he put his other hand on Cedric's shoulder perhaps deep down in his heart there was a stir of gratified pride that it was such an ear he had to present there was a spark of something like pleasure in his eyes as he moved the boy slightly forward this is the new Lord Fauntleroy this is Mr Maudaunt the rector of the parish Fauntleroy looked up at the gentleman in the clerical garments and gave him his hand I am very glad to make your acquaintance sir he said remembering the words he had heard Mr Hobbs use on one or two occasions when he had been breeding a new customer with ceremony Cedric felt quite sure that one ought to be more the usual polite to a minister Mr Maudaunt held the small hand in his a moment as he looked down at the child's face smiling involuntarily he liked a little fellow from that instant as in fact people always did like him and it was not the boy's beauty and grace which most appealed to him it was the simple natural kindliness in the little lad which made any words be uttered however quaint and unexpected sound pleasant and sincere as the rector looked at Cedric he forgot to think of the earl at all nothing in the world is so strong as a kind heart and somehow this kind little heart though it was only the heart of a child seemed to clear all the atmosphere at the big gloomy room and make it brighter I am delighted to make your acquaintance Lord Fauntleroy said the rector you made a long journey to come to us a great many people will be glad to know you made it safely it was a long way answered Fauntleroy but dearest my mother was with me and I wasn't lonely of course you are never lonely if your mother is with you and the ship was beautiful take a chair Maudaunt said the earl Mr Maudaunt sat down he glanced from Fauntleroy to the earl your lordship is greatly to be congratulated he said warmly but the earl plainly had no intention of showing his feelings on the subject he is like his father he said rather gruffly let us hope he'll conduct himself more creditably and then he added well what is it this morning who is in trouble now this was not as bad as Mr Maudaunt had expected but he hesitated a second before he begun it is Higgins he said Higgins of Edge Farm he has been very unfortunate he was earl himself last autumn and his children had scarlet fever I can't say that he is a very good manager but he has had earl up and of course he is behind hand in many ways he is in trouble about his rent now Newark tells him if he doesn't pay it he must leave the place and of course that would be a very serious matter his wife is ill and he came to me yesterday to beg me to see about it and ask you for time he thinks if you would give him time he could catch up again they all think that said the earl looking rather black Fauntelroy made a movement forward he had been standing between his grandfather and the visitor listening with all his might he had begun to be interested in Higgins at once he wondered how many children there were and if the scarlet fever had hurt them very much his eyes were wide open and were fixed upon Mr Maudaunt with intent interest as that gentleman went on with the conversation Higgins is a well meaning man said the rector making an effort to strengthen his play he is a bad tenant replied his lordship and he is always behind hand Newark tells me he is in great trouble now said the rector he is very fond of his wife and children and if the farm is taken from him they will literally starve he cannot give them the nourishing things they need two of the children were left very low after the fever and the doctor orders for them wine and luxuries that Higgins cannot afford at this Fauntelroy moved to step nearer that was the way with Michael he said the earl slightly started I forgot you he said he was a philanthropist in the room who was Michael and the Glen Mcqueer amusement came back into the old man's deep-set eyes he was Bridget's husband who had the fever and he couldn't pay the rent all by wine and things and you gave me that money to help him the earl drew his brows together into a curious frown which somehow was scarcely grim at all he glanced across at Mr Mordor I don't know what sort of land proprietor he will make he said I told Higginsham the boy was to have what he wanted anything he wanted and what he wanted it seems was money to give to beggars oh but they weren't beggars said Fauntelroy eagerly Michael was a splendid bricklayer they all worked oh said the earl they were not beggars they were splendid bricklayers and boot-blakes and apple women he bent his gaze on the boy for a few seconds in silence the fact was that a new thought was coming to him and though perhaps it was not prompted by the noblest emotions it was not a bad thought come here he said at last Fauntelroy went and stood near to him as possible without encroaching on the gouty foot what would you do in this case his lordship asked it must be confessed that Mr Mordor experienced for the moment a curious sensation being a man of great thoughtfulness and having spent so many years on the estate of Doroncourt knowing the tenetry rich and poor the people of the village honest and industrious dishonest and lazy he realised very strongly what power for good or evil would be given in the future to this one small boy standing there his brown eyes wide open his hands deep in his pockets and the thought came to him also that a great deal of power might perhaps through the caprice of a proud self-indulgent old man be given to him now and that if his young nature were not a simple and generous one it might be the worst thing that could happen not only for others but for himself and what would you do in such a case demanded the earl Fauntelroy drew a little nearer and laid one hand on his knee to the fighting air of good comradeship if I were very rich he said and not only just a little boy I should let him stay and give him the things for his children but then I am only a boy then after a second's pause in which his face bright and visibly you can do anything can't you he said hmmm said my lord staring at him that's your opinion is it and he was not displeased either I mean you can give anyone anything said Fauntelroy who's new week he is my agent and the earl and some of my tenants are not over fond of him are you going to write him a letter now inquire Fauntelroy shall I bring you the pen and ink to the game of this table it plainly had not for an instant occurred to him that new week would be allowed to do his worst the earl paused a moment still looking at him can you write he asked yes answered Cedric but not very well move the things from the table commanded my lord and bring the pen and ink and a sheet of paper from my desk interest began to increase Fauntelroy did as he was told very deftly in a few moments the sheet of paper the big ink stand and the pen were ready there he said gaily now you can write it you are to write it said the earl I exclaimed Fauntelroy and a flush over spread his forehead will it do if I write it I don't always felt quite right when I have an addictionary and nobody tells me it will do answered the earl Higgins will not complain of the spelling I'm not the philanthropist you are dip your pen in the ink Fauntelroy took up the pen and dipped it in the ink bottle then he arranged himself in position leaning on the table now he inquired what must I say you may say Higgins is not to be interfered with for the present and sign it Fauntelroy said the earl Fauntelroy dipped his pen in the ink again and resting his arm began to write it was rather a slow and serious process but he gave his whole soul to it after a while however the manuscript was complete he handed it to his grandfather with a smile slightly tinged with anxiety do you think it will do he asked the earl looked at it and the corners of his mouth twitched a little yes he answered Higgins will find it entirely satisfactory and he handed it to Mr. Mordor what Mr. Mordor found written was this Dear Mr. Newick if you please Mr. Higgins is not to be interfered with for the present and obliged yours respectfully Mr. Hobbs always signed his letters that way said Fauntelroy and I thought I'd better say it please is that exactly the right way to spell interfered it's not exactly the way it is spelled in the dictionary and the earl I was afraid of that said Fauntelroy I ought to have asked you see that's the way with words of more than one syllable you have to look in the dictionary it's always safest I'll write it over again and write it over again he did making quite an imposing copy and taking precautions in the matter of spelling by consulting the earl himself spelling is a curious thing he said it's so often different than what you would expect it to be I used to think please was spelled P L E E S but it isn't you know and you'd think Dear was spelled D E R E if he didn't inquire sometimes it almost discourages you when Mr. Mordornt went away he took the letter with him and he took something else with him so namely a pleasant of feeling and a more hopeful one than he had ever carried home with him down that avenue on any previous visit he had made at Doran Court Castle when he was gone Fauntelroy who had accompanied him to the door went back to his grandfather may I go to Dearest now he asked I think she will be waiting for me silent a moment there is something in the stable for you to see first he said ring the bell if you please said Fauntelroy with his quick little flush I'm very much obliged but I think I'd better see it tomorrow she will be expecting me all the time very well answered the earl we will order the carriage then he added dryly it's a pony Fauntelroy drew a long breath a pony he exclaimed whose pony is it? yours replied the earl mine cried the little fellow mine liked the things upstairs yes said his grandfather would you like to see it shall I order it to be brought around Fauntelroy's checked through reader and reader I never thought I should have a pony he said I never thought that how glad Dearest will be you give me everything don't you do you wish to see it inquired the earl I want to see it he said I want to see it so much I can hardly wait but I'm afraid there isn't time you must go and see your mother this afternoon you think you can't put it off why? said Fauntelroy she has been thinking about me all the morning and I've been thinking about her oh said the earl you have, have you ring the bell as they drove down the avenue under the arching trees he was rather silent but Fauntelroy was not he talked about the pony what colour was it what was its name what did it like to eat best how old was it how early in the morning might he get up and see it Dearest will be so glad she will be so much obliged to you for being so kind to me she knows I always like panties so much but we never thought I should have one there was a little boy on 5th avenue who had one and he used to ride out every morning and we used to take a walk past his house to see him he leaned back against the cushions and regarded the earl with wrapped interest for a few minutes and then in tired silence I think you must be the best person in the world you burst forth at last you are always doing good aren't you and thinking about other people Dearest says not to think about yourself but to think about other people that is just the way you are, isn't it his lordship was so dumbfounded to find himself presented in such agreeable colours that he did not know exactly what to say he felt that he needed time for reflection to see each of his ugly selfish motives changed into a good and generous one by the simplicity of a child with a singular experience Fauntleroy went on, still regarding him with admiring eyes those great, clear, innocent eyes you make so many people happy he said there's Michael and Bridget and their 10 children and the apple woman and Dick and Mr Hobbes and Mr Higgins and Mrs Higgins and their children and Mr Mordor because of course he was glad and dearest to me about the pain in all the other things do you know I've countered it up on my fingers and in my mind and it's 27 people you've been kind to that's a good many 27 and I was the person who was kind to them was I said the earl you made them all happy do you know with some delicate hesitation the people are sometimes mistaken about earls when they don't know them Mr Hobbes was I'm going to write him and tell him about it what was Mr Hobbes' opinion of earls asked his lordship well you see the difficulty was replied his young companion that he didn't know any we read about them in books he thought you mustn't mind that they were gory tyrants and he said he wouldn't have them hanging around his store but if he'd known you I'm sure he would have felt quite different I shall tell him about you what shall you tell him I shall tell him said porthory glowing with enthusiasm that you are the kindest man and you are always thinking of other people and making them happy and and I hope when I grow up I shall be just like you just like me repeated his lordship looking at the little kindling face and a dull red crept up under his withered skin and he suddenly turned his eyes away and looked out of the carriage window at the great beach trees with the sun shining and glossy red brown leaves just like you said porthory adding modestly if I can perhaps I'm not good enough but I'm going to try the carriage rolled on down the stately avenue under the beautiful broad branched trees through the spaces of green shade and lanes of golden sunlight porthory saw again the lovely places the sky and the blue bell swayed in the breeze he saw the deer standing or lying in the deep grass turned their large startled eyes as the carriage passed and caught glimpses of the brown rabbits as they scurried away he heard the whir of the partridges and the calls and songs of the birds and it all seemed even more beautiful to him than before with pleasure and happiness in the beauty that was on every side but the old earl saw and heard very different things though he was apparently looking out too he saw a long life in which there had been neither generous deeds nor kind thoughts he saw years in which a man who had been young and strong and rich and powerful had used his youth and strength and wealth and power only to please himself and kill time as the days and years succeeded each other he saw this man when the time had been killed an old age had come solitary and without real friends in the midst of all his blended wealth he saw people who disliked or feared him and people who would flatter and cringe to him but no one who really cared whether he lived or died unless they had something to gain or lose by it he looked out on the broad acres which belonged to him and he knew what Fauntelroy did not how far they extended what wealth they represented and how many people had homes on their soil and he knew too another thing Fauntelroy did not that in all those homes humble or well to do there was probably not one person however much he envied the wealth and stately name and power and however willing he would have been to possess them who would for an instant have thought of calling a noble owner good or wishing as his simple-solved little boy had to be like him and it was not exactly pleasant to reflect upon even for a cynical worldly old man who had been sufficient unto himself for 70 years and who had never done to care what opinion the world held of him so long as it did not interfere with his comfort or entertainment and the fact was, indeed that he had never before condescended to reflect upon it at all and so now, because a child had believed him better than he was and by wishing to follow in his illustrious footsteps and imitate his example had suggested to him the curious question whether he was exactly the person to take as a model Fauntelroy thought the earl's foot must be hurting him his brows netted themselves together so as he looked out out of the park and thinking this the considerate little fellow tried not to disturb him and enjoyed the trees and the ferns and the deer in silence but at last the carriage having passed the gates and bowled through the green lanes for a short distance stopped they had reached Court Lodge and Fauntelroy was out upon the ground and had time to open the carriage door the earl wakened from his reverie with a start what, he said are we here yes, said Fauntelroy let me give you your stick just lean on me when you get out I'm not going to get out replied his lordship brusquely not, not to see dearest exclaimed Fauntelroy with astonished face excuse me, said the earl dryling go to her and tell her that not even a new pony would keep you away she will be disappointed, said Fauntelroy she will want to see you very much I am afraid not was the answer the carriage will call for you as we come back told Jeffries to drive on Thomas Thomas closed the carriage door and after a powerful look Fauntelroy ran up to drive the earl had the opportunity as Mr. Havensham once had of seeing a pair of handsome strong little legs flash over the ground with astonishing rapidity evidently their owner had no intention of losing any time the carriage rolled slowly away but his lordship did not at once lean back he still looked out through a space in the trees he could see the house door it was wide open the little figure dashed up the steps another figure a little figure too slender and young in its black gown ran to meet it it seemed as if they flew together as Fauntelroy looped into his mother's arms hanging about her neck and covering her sweet young face with kisses End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Of Little Lord Fauntelroy This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Stefanie König Little Lord Fauntelroy by Francis Hudson Burnett Chapter 7 On the following Sunday morning Mr. Mordond had a large congregation Indeed he could scarcely remember any Sunday on which the church had been so crowded People appeared upon the scene who seldom did him the honor of coming to hear his sermons There were even people from Hazelton which was the next parish There were hearty sunburned farmers stout comfortable apple-cheeked wives in their best bonnets and most gorgeous shawls and half a dozen children or so to each family The doctor's wife was there with her four daughters Mrs. Kimsey and Mr. Kimsey who kept the druggist's shop and made pills and did up powders for everybody within ten miles set in their pew Mrs. Dibble in hers Miss Smith, the village dressmaker and her friend Miss Perkins set in theirs The doctor's young man was present and the druggist's apprentice In fact, almost every family on the county side was represented in one way or another In the course of the preceding week many wonderful stories had been told of little Lord Fauntlery Mrs. Dibble had been kept so busy attending to customers who came in to buy a penny-worth of needles or a half-worth of tape to hear what she had to relate that the little shop bell over the door had nearly tinkled itself to death over the coming and going Mrs. Dibble knew exactly how his small lordship's rooms had been furnished for him what expensive toys had been bought how there was a beautiful brown pony awaiting him and a small groom to attend it and a little dog-card with silver-mounted harness and she could tell, too, what all the servants had said when they had caught glimpses of the child on the night of his arrival and how every female below stairs had said it was a shame so it was to part the poor pretty deer from his mother and had all declared their hearts came into their mouths when he went alone into the library to see his grandfather for there was no knowing how he'd be treated and his lordship's temper was enough to fluster them with old heads on their shoulders let alone a child if you believe me Mrs. Jennifer Mom Mrs. Dibble had said fear that child does not know so Mr. Thomas himself said and said and smiled he did and talked to his lordship as if they'd been friends ever since his first hour and the Earl so took it back Mr. Thomas says that he couldn't do nothing but listen and stare from under his eyebrows and it's Mr. Thomas's opinion Mrs. Bates Mom, that bad hat he is he was placed in his secret soul and proud, too for a handsome little fellow or with better manners though so old fashioned Mr. Thomas says he'd never wish to see and then there had come the story of Higgins the Reverend Mr. Mordond had told it at his own dinner table and the servants who had heard it had told it in the kitchen and from there it had spread like wildfire and on market day when Higgins had appeared in town he had been questioned on every side and Newig had been questioned, too and in response had shown to two or three people the note signed Fauntleroy and so the farmer's wives had found plenty to talk of over their tea and their shopping and they had done the subject full justice and made the most of it and on Sunday they had either walked to church or had been driven in their gigs by their husbands who were perhaps a travel courier to themselves about the new little lord who was to be in time the owner of the soil it was by no means the Earl's habit to attend church but he chose to appear on this first Sunday it was his whim to present himself in the huge family pew with Fauntleroy at his side there were many loiterers in the churchyard and many lingers in the lane that morning there were groups at the gates and in the porch and there had been much discussion as to whether my lord would really appear or not when this discussion was at its height one good woman suddenly uttered an exclamation hey she said that must be the mother pretty young thing all who heard turned and looked at this lander figure in black coming out the path the wheel was thrown back from her face and they could see how fair and sweet it was and how the bright hair curled as softly as a child's under the little widow's cap she was not thinking of the people about she was thinking of Cedric and of his wizards to her and his joy over his new pony on which he had actually written to her door the day before sitting very straight and looking very proud and happy but soon she could not help being attracted by the fact that she was being looked at and her rival had created some sort of sensation she first noticed it because an old woman in a red cloak made a bobbin curtsy to her and then another did the same thing and said God bless you, my lady and one man after another took off his head as she passed for a moment she did not understand and then she realized that it was because she was little Lord Frontler's mother that they did so and she flushed rather shyly and smiled and bowed too and said thank you in a gentle voice to the old woman who had blessed her to a person who had always lived in a bustling crowded American city this simple difference was very novel and at first just a little embarrassing but after all she could not help liking and being touched by the friendly warm-heartedness of which it seemed to speak she had scarcely passed through the stone porch into the church before the great event of the day happened the carriage from the castle with its handsome horses and tall livery servants bowled across the corner and down the green lane here they come went from one looker on to another and then the carriage drew up and Thomas stepped down and opened the door and a little boy dressed in black velvet and with a splendid mob of bright waving hair jumped out every man, woman and child looked curiously upon him he's the captain all over again said those of the onlookers who remembered his father he's the captain's self to the life he stood there in the sunlight looking up at the Earl as Thomas held that nobleman out with the most affectionate interest that could be imagined the instant he could help he put out his hand and offered his shoulder as if he had been seven feet high it was plain enough to everyone that however it might be with other people the Earl of Darringcourt struck no terror in his grandson just lean on me they heard him say how glad the people are to see you and how well they all seem to know you take off your cap Fondleroy said the Earl they are bowing to you to me cried Fondleroy whipping off his cap in a moment bearing his bright head to the crowd and turning shining puzzled eyes on them as he tried to bow to everyone at once God bless your lordship said the court-seeing red cloaked old woman who had spoken to his mother long life to you thank you ma'am said Fondleroy and then they went into the church and were looked at there on their way up to the easel to the square red-cushioned and curtain pew when Fondleroy was fairly seated he made two discoveries which pleased him the first that across the church where he could look at her his mother said and smiled at him the second that at one end of the pew against the wall knelt two quaint figures carbon and stone facing each other as they kneeled on either side of a pillar supporting two stone missiles they pointed hands folded as if in prayer they dressed very antique and strange on the tablet by them was written something of which he could only read the curious words here lieth the body of Grigori Arthur first Earl of Daringcourt also of Alisson Hildegard his wife may I whisper inquired his lordship devoured by curiosity what is it said his grandfather who are they some of your ancestors answered the Earl who lived a few hundred years ago perhaps said Lord Fondleroy regarding them with respect perhaps I got my spelling from them and then he proceeded to find his place in the church service when the music began he stood up and looked across at his mother smiling very fond of music and his mother and he often sang together so he joined in with the rest his pure, sweet, high voice rising as clear as a song of a bird he quite forgot himself in his pleasure in it the Earl forgot himself a little too as he sat in his curtain shielded corner of the pew and watched the boy Cedric stood with a big Psalter open in his hands singing with all his childish might his face a little uplifted happily and as he sang a long ray of sunshine crept in and slanting through a golden pane of a stained glass window brightened the falling hair about his young hand his mother as she looked at him across the church felt a thrill pass through her heart and a prayer rose in it too a prayer that the pure, simple happiness of his childish soul might last and that the strange great fortune which had fallen to him might bring no wrong or evil with it there were many soft anxious thoughts in her tender heart in those new days oh, Cedric she had said to him the evening before as she hung over him and saying good night before he went away oh, Cedric, dear I wish for your sake I was very clever and could say a great many wise things but only be good, dear only be brave only be kind and true always and then you will never hurt anyone so long as you live and you may help many and the big world may be better because my little child was born and that is best of all, Cedric it is better than anything else that the world should be a little better because a man has lived even ever so little better, dearest and on his return to the castle Fondlery had repeated her words to his grandfather and I thought about you when she said that, he ended and I told her that was the way the world was as you had lived and I was going to try if I could be like you and what did she say to that answered his laundry I travel uneasily she said that was right and we must always look for good in people and try to be like it perhaps it was this the old man remembered as he glanced through the divided folds of the red curtain of his pew many times he looked over the people's heads to where his son's wife sat alone and he saw the fair face the unforgiven dad had loved and the eyes which were so like those of the child at his side but what his thoughts were and whether they were hard and bitter or soft and a little it would have been hard to discover as they came out of church many of those who had attended the service stood waiting to see them pass as they neared the gate a man who stood with his head in his arms made a step forward and then hesitated he was a middle-aged farmer with a care-worn face well Higgins said the earl fontler I turned quickly to look at him oh he exclaimed is it Mr Higgins Higgins yes answered the earl dryly and I suppose he came to take a look at his new landlord yes my lord said the man his son were in face reddening Mr Newig told me his young lordship was kind enough to speak for me and I thought I'd like to say a word of thanks if I might be allowed perhaps he felt some wonder when he saw what a little fellow it was who had innocently done so much for him and who stood there looking up just as one of his own less fortunate children might have done apparently not realizing his own importance in the least I have a great deal to thank your lordship for he said a great deal I said lord fontler I I only wrote the letter it was my grandfather who did it but you know how he is about always being good to everybody is Mrs Higgins well now Higgins looked at trifle taken aback he also was somewhat startled at hearing his noble landlord presented in the character of a banner-volunt being full of engaging qualities I well yes your lordship he stammered better since the trouble was took off her mind it was worrying broke her down I'm glad of that said fontler I my grandfather was very sorry about your children having the scarlet fever and so was I he has had children himself I'm his son's little boy you know Higgins was on the verge of being panic-stricken he felt it would be the safer and more big plan not to look at the earl as it had been well known that his fatherly affection for his sons had been such that he had seen them about twice a year and that when they had been ill he had promptly departed for London because he would not be bored with doctors and nurses it was a little trying therefore to his lordship's nerves to be told while he looked on his eyes gleaming from under his biggy eyebrows that he felt an interest in scarlet fever you see Higgins broke in the earl with a fine grim smile you people have been mistaken in me lord fontler I understands me when you want reliable information on the subject of my character apply to him get into the carriage fontler I and fontler I jumped in and the carriage rolled away down the green lane and even when it turned the corner into the high road the earl was still grimly smiling end of chapter 7