own at the village.
Jones he lives over the stables; and there ain't no occasion to have
more than one there, for there's only the two carriage-horses and
this."

"How far is the sea from the house?"

"It's about half a mile to the top of the cliff, and a precious long
climb down to the water; but going round by Swanage--which is about
three miles--you can drive down close to the sea, for there are no
cliffs there."

There was little more said during the drive. From time to time the man
pointed out the various villages and country seats, and Ralph wondered
to himself how he should manage to pass the next three weeks. It
seemed that there would be nothing to do and no one to talk to. He had
always been accustomed to the companionship of lots of boys of his own
age, and during the holidays there was plenty of sailing and fishing,
so that time had never hung on his hands; the present prospect
therefore almost appalled him. However, he had promised his mother
that he would try to make the best of things; and he tried to assure
himself that after all three weeks or a month would be over at last.
After an hour and a half's drive they passed through a lodge gate into
a park, and in a few minutes drew up at the entrance to Penfold Hall.
An old servant came out.

"Will you come with me into the library, sir? Mr. Penfold is expecting
you. Your box will be taken up into your room."

Ralph felt extremely uncomfortable as he followed his conductor across
a noble hall, floored with dark polished oak, and paneled with the
same material. A door opened, and a servant announced "Master Conway."
A gentleman rose from his chair and held out his hand.

"I am glad to see you, Ralph Conway; and I hope your journey has been
a pretty comfortable one. It is very good of you to come such a long
distance to pay me a visit."

"Mother wanted me to, sir," Ralph said honestly. "I don't think--" and
he stopped.

"You don't think you would have come of your own accord, Ralph? No,
that is natural enough, my boy. At your, age I am sure I should not
have cared to give up my holidays and spend them in a quiet house
among strangers. However, I wanted to see you, and I am very glad you
have come. I am an old friend of your mother's, you know, and so
desired to make the acquaintance of her son. I think you are like
her," he said, putting his hand on Ralph's shoulder and taking him to
the window and looking steadily at him.

"Other people have said