Oldal 106 [106]
86 | LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY.
— —
His young lordship slipped down upon the hearth-rug, and sat
there with the picture still in his hand. He seemed to be reflecting
seriously, before he answered.
‘“T did think perhaps I might go into business with Mr. Hobbs,”
he said; "but I should /zke to be a President.”
‘We 'll send you to the House of Lords instead,” said his grand¬
father.
“Well,” remarked Lord Fauntleroy, “if I could zt be a Presi¬
dent, and if that is a good business, | should n'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.
The Earl did not speak again. He leaned back in his chair
and watched him. A great many strange new thoughts passed
through the old nobleman’s mind. Dougal 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. Havisham was ushered in.
The great room was very still when he entered. The Earl was still
leaning back in his chair. He moved as Mr. Havisham 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. Dougal was still asleep, and close beside the great
dog, sleeping also, with his curly head upon his arm, lay little Lord
Fauntleroy.