"I am going to stay with Mrs. Graves--that is, if she
will have me. I don't mind saying that the fact that you are close
by is a considerable reason why I think of going."
"That's simply splendid!" said Jack; "we will have no end of a
time. Do you DO anything in particular--fish, I mean, or shoot?
There's some wretched fishing in the river, and there is some
rabbit-shooting on the downs. Mrs. Graves has a keeper, a shabby
old man who shoots, as they say, for the house. I believe she
objects to shooting; but you might persuade her, and we could go
out together."
"Yes," said Howard, "I do shoot and fish in a feeble way. We will
see what can be done."
"There are things to see, I believe," said Jack, "churches and
houses, if you like that sort of thing--I don't; but we might get
up some expeditions--they are rather fun. I think you won't mind my
sister. She isn't bad for a woman. But women don't understand men.
They are always sympathising with you or praising you. They think
that is what men like, but it only means that it is what they would
like. Men like to be left alone--but I daresay she thinks I don't
understand her. Then there's my father! He is quite a good sort,
really; but by George, how he does talk! I often think I'd like to
turn him loose in the Combination Room. No one would have a chance.
Redmayne simply wouldn't be in it with my father. I've invented
rather a good game when he gets off. I try to see how many I can
count before I am expected to make a remark.
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