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102 |
LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY. |
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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. Fauntleroy drew a little nearer, and laid one hand on his knee, with the most confiding 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 brightened visibly, " You can do anything, can't you ? " he said.
" Humph ! " said my lord, staring at him. " That's your opinion, is it? " And he was not displeased either.
" I mean you can give any one anything," said Fauntleroy. " Who 's Newick ? "
" He is my agent," answered the earl, "and some of my tenants are not over-fond of him."
"Are you going to write him a letter now? " inquired Fauntleroy. " Shall I bring you the pen and ink ? I can take the game off this table."
It plainly had not for an instant occurred to him that Newick 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."
Mr. Mordaunt's interest began to increase. Fauntleroy did as he was told very deftly. In a few moments, the sheet of paper, the big inkstand, and the pen were ready. |
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