John knew by this time that he would very gladly not have Valentine with him, or rather under him; but an almost unfailing instinct, where his father was concerned, assured him that the old man would like it.

“Shall I speak to my father about it for you?” he said.

“No, John, by no means, if you do not like it.  I would not be so unfair as let him have a hint of it till you have taken the time you said you wanted.”

“All right,” said John; “but where, in case you became a clerk here, do you propose to live?”

“Dick A’Court lived in lodgings for years,” said Valentine, “so does John A’Court now, over the pastrycook’s in the High Street.”

“And you think you could live over the shoemaker’s?”

“Why not?”

“I have often met Dick meekly carrying home small parcels of grocery for himself.  I should like to catch you doing anything of the sort!”

“I believe I can do anything now I have learned to leave off quoting.  I used to be always doing it, and to please Dorothea I have quite given it up.”

“Well,” said John, “let that pass.”

He knew as well as possible what would be his father’s wish, and he meant to let him gratify it.  He was a good son, and, as he had everything completely in his own power, he may be said to have been very indulgent to his father, but the old man did not know it any more than he did.

Mr. Augustus Mortimer had a fine house, handsomely appointed and furnished.  From time to time, as his son’s family had increased, he had added accommodation.  There was an obvious nursery; there was an evident school-room, perfectly ready for the son, and only waiting, he often thought, till it should be said to his father, “Come up higher.”

It was one of John’s theories that there should be a certain homely simplicity in the dress, food, and general surroundings of youthful humanity; that it should not have to walk habitually on carpets so rich that little dusty feet must needs do damage, and appear intruders; nor be made to feel all day that somebody was disturbed if somebody else was making himself happy according to his lights, and in his own fashion.

But of late Mr. Augustus Mortimer had begun to show a degree of infirmity which sometimes made his son uncomfortable that he should have to live alone.  To bring those joyous urchins and little, laughing, dancing, playful girls into his house was not to be thought of.  What was wanted was some young relative to live with him, who would drive him into the town and home again, dine with him, live in his presence, and make his house cheerful.  In short, as John thought the matter over, he perceived that it would be a very good thing for his father to have Valentine as an inmate, and that it would be everything to Valentine to be with his father.

People always seemed to manage comfortable homes for Valentine, and make good arrangements for him, as fast as he brought previous ones to nought.