LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY - Chapter II
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Von Frances Hodgson Burnett

In den folgenden Wochen gab es keinen verwunderteren kleinen Jungen als Cedric; es hatte nie eine so fremde oder so unwirkliche Woche gegeben. Die Geschichte, die ihm seine Mama erzählt hatte, war in erster Linie sehr merkwürdig. Er musste sie zweimal bis dreimal hören, ehe er sie verstehen konnte. Er konnte sich nicht vorstellen, was Mr. Hobbs davon dachte. Es fing an mit Earls: sein Großvater, den er nie gesehen hatte, war ein Earl; und sein ältester Onkel wäre, wenn die Zeit gekommen wäre, ebenfalls ein Earl geworden, wenn er nicht durch einen Sturz vom Pferd getötet worden wäre; und nach seinem Tod wäre sein anderer Onkel Earl geworden, wenn er nicht in unerwartet in Rom an Fieber gestorben wäre. Danach wäre sein eigener Papa, wenn er gelebt hätte, eine Earl geworden, aber, da er gestorben war, und nur Cedric übrig war, schien es, als ob ER der einzige Earl nach dem Tod seines Großvaters wäre -- und bis dahin war er Lord Fauntleroy.

Er wurde ganz blass, als man ihm das erste Mal davon erzählte.

"Oh! Liebling!" sagte er, "Ich wäre lieber kein Earl. Keiner der Jungen ist ein Earl. Kann ich nicht NICHT einer sein?".

Aber es schien unabwendbar. Und als sie an diesem Abend zusammen am offenen Fenster saßen und nach unten in die schäbige Straße schauten, hatten er und seine Mutter ein langes Gespräch darüber. Cedric saß auf seinem Schemel, ein Knie in seiner Lieblingshaltung festhaltend und sein verwirrtes kleines Gesicht war vom angestrengten Denken ziemlich rot. Sein Großvater hatte nach ihm geschickt, um nach England zu kommen, und seine Mama dachte, er müsste gehen.

"Weil", sagte sie und sah mit traurigen Augen aus dem Fenster, "ich weiß, dass dein Papa es sich so wünschen würde, Ceddie. Er liebte sein Zuhause sehr; und es gibt viele Dinge, an die man denken muss, die ein kleiner Junge nicht ganz verstehen kann. Ich müsste eine egoistische kleine Mutter sein, wenn ich dich nicht schicken würde. Wenn du ein Mann bist, wirst du sehen, warum."

Ceddie schüttelte traurig den Kopf.

"Es wird mir sehr leid tun, Mr. Hobbs zu verlassen", sagte er. "Ich fürchte, er wird mich vermissen, und ich werde ihn vermissen. Und ich werde sie alle vermissen."
Als Mr. Havisham - der der Familienanwalt des Earl of Dorincourt war und von ihm geschickt wurde, um Lord Fauntleroy nach England zu bringen - am nächsten Tag kam, hörte Cedric viele Dinge. Aber irgendwie tröstete es ihn nicht, zu hören, dass er ein sehr reicher Mann sein würde, wenn er erwachsen war, und dass er überall Schlösser haben würde, und große Parks und tiefe Minen und große Ländereien und Pachtverhältnisse. Er war besorgt um seinen Freund, Mr. Hobbs, und er ging kurz nach dem Frühstück in großer Sorge zu ihm in den Laden.

Er fand ihn beim Lesen der Morgenzeitung, und er näherte sich ihm mit einer ernsten Haltung. Er fühlte wirklich, es würde ein großer Schlag für Mr. Hobbs sein zu hören, was ihm zugestoßen war, und auf seinem Weg zum Laden hatte er überlegt, wie er die Nachricht am besten überbringen könnte.

"Hallo!" sagte Mr. Hobbs. "Morgen!"

"Guten Morgen", sagte Cedric.

Er kletterte nicht wie üblich auf den hohen Hocker, sondern setzte sich auf eine Kräckerkiste und umklammerte sein Knie, und war für einige Augenblicke so still, dass Mr. Hobbs schließlich forschend über den Rand seiner Zeitung schaute.

"Hallo!" sagte er wieder.

Cedric fasste all seine Willensstärke zusammen.

"Mr. Hobbs", sagte er, "erinnern Sie sich, worüber wir gestern Morgen gesprochen haben?"

"Nun," antwortete Mr. Hobbs, -- "mir scheint, es war England."

"Ja", sagte Cedric, "aber genau da kam Mary, um mich zu holen, nicht wahr?"

Mr. Hobbs rieb sich den Hinterkopf.

"Wir HATTEN Queen Victoria und die Aristokratie erwähnt."

"Ja", sagte Cedric ziemlich zögerlich, "und .. und Earls, nicht wahr?"

"Nun ja", erwiderte Mr. Hobbs, "wir STREIFTEN das Thema ein wenig; das ist so."

Cedric errötete bis zu seiner Stirnlocke. Nichts so Peinliches wie dies war ihm je in seinem Leben passiert. Er hatte ein bisschen Angst, dass es auch für Mr. Hobbs eine kleine Peinlichkeit sein könnte.

"Sie sagten", fuhr er fort, "dass Sie sie nicht auf ihren Kräcker-Kisten 'rumsitzen haben möchten."

"Das stimmt", bekräftigte Mr. Hobbs. "Und ich meinte es so. Lass sie es versuchen - das ist alles!"

"Mr. Hobbs", sagte Cedric, "einer sitzt jetzt auf dieser Kiste!"

Mr. Hobbs sprang fast von seinem Stuhl.

"Was!" rief er.

"Ja", kündigte Cedric mit gebührender Bescheidenheit an; "_ich_ bin einer - oder ich werde es sein. Ich täusche Sie nicht."

Mr. Hobbs wirkte aufgeregt. Er stand plötzlich auf und schaute auf das Thermometer.

"Das Quecksilber ist in deinen Kopf gelangt!" rief er aus und drehte sich um, um den Gesichtsausdruck seines jungen Freundes zu prüfen. "Es IST ein heißer Tag! Wie fühlst du dich? Irgendwelche Schmerzen? Wann hast du angefangen, dich so zu fühlen?"

Er legte seine große Hand auf das Haar des kleinen Jungen. Das war peinlicher denn je.

"Danke", sagte Ceddie, "Ich bin okay. Mit meinem Kopf ist nichts los. Es tut mir leid zu sagen, dass es wahr ist, Mr. Hobbs. Das war es, weshalb Mary kam, um mich nach Hause zu holen. Mr. Havisham hat es meiner Mutter erzählt, und er ist Anwalt."

Herr Hobbs sank in seinen Stuhl und wischte seine Stirn mit seinem Taschentuch.

"EINER von uns hat einen Sonnenstich!" rief er.

"Nein", gab Cedric zurück, "haben wir nicht. Wir müssen das Beste daraus machen, Mr. Hobbs. Mr. Havisham kam den ganzen Weg aus England, um uns davon zu erzählen. Mein Großvater schickte ihn."

Mr. Hobbs starrte wild auf das unschuldige, ernste kleine Gesicht vor sich.

"Wer ist dein Großvater?", fragte er.

Cedric steckte eine Hand in seine Tasche und zog sorgfältig ein Stück Papier heraus, auf dem irgendwas in seiner eigenen runden, unregelmäßigen Handschrift geschrieben war.

"Ich konnte es nicht leicht behalten, deshalb habe ich es hier aufgeschrieben", sagte er. Und er las langsam laut vor: " 'John Arthur Molyneux Errol, Earl of Dorincourt.' Das ist sein Name, und er lebt in einem Schloss ... in zwei oder drei Schlössern, glaube ich. Und mein Vater, der verstorben ist, war sein jüngster Sohn, und ich hätte kein Lord oder Earl sein sollen, wenn mein Vater nicht gestorben wäre; und mein Vater wäre kein Earl geworden, wenn seine beiden Brüder nicht gestorben wären. Aber sie sind alle gestorben, und es gibt keinen mehr außer mir, keinen Jungen, und deshalb muss ich einer sein; und mein Opa hat nach mir geschickt, dass ich nach England kommen soll."

Mr. Hobbs schien es heißer und heißer zu werden. Er wischte seine Stirn und seine kahle Stelle und atmete schwer. Er fing an zu begreifen, dass etwas Merkwürdiges passiert war. Aber als er auf den kleinen Jungen sah, der auf der Kräcker-Kiste saß, mit dem unschuldigen, besorgten Ausdruck in seinen kindlichen Augen, und sah, dass er sich überhaupt nicht verändert hatte, sondern einfach so war wie am Tag zuvor, nur ein hübscher, fröhlicher, mutiger kleiner Kerl in einem blauen Anzug und mit rotem Nickituch, all diese Informationen über den Adel verwirrten ihn. Er war um so verwirrter, weil Cedric es mit solcher genialen Einfachheit vorbrachte und offensichtlich ohne selbst zu begreifen, wie erstaunlich es war.

"Wa-was sagtest du, wie war dein Name? Fragte Mr. Hobbs nach.

"Er ist Cedric Errol, Lord Fauntleroy", antwortete Cedric. "So nannte mich Mr. Havisham. Er sagte, als ich in das Zimmer kam: 'Und dies ist also der kleine Lord Fauntleroy!' " -

"Nun", sagte Mr.Hobbs, "das darf doch wohl nicht wahr sein!"

Dies war ein Ausruf, den er immer benutzte, wenn er sehr überrascht oder aufgeregt war. Ihm fiel nichts anderes zu sagen ein in diesem so verwirrenden Moment.

Cedric empfand es als einen recht ordentlichen und geeigneten Ausdruck. Sein Respekt und seine Zuneigung zu Mr. Hobbs waren so groß, dass er alle seine Bemerkungen bewunderte und billigte. Er hatte noch nicht genug von der Gesellschaft gesehen, um sich darüber im Klaren zu sein, dass Mr. Hobbs manchmal nicht ganz konventionell war. Er wusste natürlich, dass er anders war als seine Mama, aber natürlich war seine Mama eine Dame und er hatte eine Ahnung, dass Damen immer anders waren als Herren.

Er schaute Mr. Hobbs wehmütig an.

"England ist sehr weit weg, nicht wahr?" fragte er.

"Es liegt auf der anderen Seite des Atlantiks", antwortete Mr. Hobbs.

"Das ist das Schlimmste", sagte Cedric. "Vielleicht werde ich Sie für längere Zeit nicht wiedersehen. Ich mag gar nicht daran denken, Mr. Hobbs."

Die besten Freunden müssen sich trennen", sagte Mr. Hobbs.

"Nun," sagte Cedric, "wir sind seit vielen Jahren Freunde, nicht wahr?".

"Seit deiner Geburt," antwortete Mr. Hobbs. "Du warst etwa sechs Wochen alt, als du zum ersten Mal auf dieser Straße spazieren gefahren wurdest."

"Ah," bemerkte Cedric mit einem Seufzer, "ich dachte damals nicht, dass ich jemals ein Earl sein müsste!"

"Denkst du," sagte Mr. Hobbs, "es gibt keine Möglichkeit es zu vermeiden?"

"Ich fürchte nicht," antwortete Cedric. "Meine Mama sagt, dass mein Papa gewollt hätte, das ich es tue. Aber wenn ich ein Earl sein muss, gibt es etwas, das ich tun kann: Ich kann versuchen, ein guter zu sein. Ich werde kein Tyrann sein. Und wenn es jemals wieder einen weiteren Krieg mit America geben sollte, werde ich versuchen ihn zu verhindern."

Seine Unterhaltung mit Mr. Hobbs war lang und ernsthaft. Den ersten Schock erst einmal überwunden, war Mr. Hobbs nicht so erbittert, wie man hätte erwarten können. Er bemühte sich, sich mit der Situation abzufinden, und bevor die Unterredung zu Ende war, hatte er viele Fragen gestellt. Weil Cedric nur einige davon beantworten konnte, bemühte er sich, sie sich selbst zu beantworten, und einmal auf das Thema von Earls und Marquisen und lordschaftlichen Grundbesitz gebracht, erklärte er viele Dinge auf eine Art, die Mr. Havisham wahrscheinlich überrascht hätte, hätte dieser Gentleman es hören können.

Aber andererseits gab es viele Dinge, die Mr. Havisham erstaunten. Er hatte sein ganzes Leben in England verbracht und war nicht an das amerikanische Volk und die amerikanischen Gewohnheiten gewöhnt. Er war fast vierzig Jahre lang beruflich mit der Familie des Earl of Dorincourt verbunden gewesen, und er wusste alles über seine Großgrundbesitze und seinen großen Reichtum und seine große Bedeutung; und auf kalte, geschäftliche Weise fühlte er ein Interesse an diesem kleinen Jungen, der in Zukunft der Herr und Besitzer von ihnen allen sein sollte- der zukünftige Earl of Dorincourt. Er hatte alles über die Enttäuschung des alten Earls über seine älteren Söhne und über seine heftige Wut auf Captain Cedrics amerikanische Ehe gewusst, und er wusste, wie er die sanfte kleine Witwe immer noch hasste und immer nur mit bitteren und grausamen Worten über sie sprach. Er bestand darauf, dass sie nur ein gewöhnliches amerikanisches Mädchen war, das seinen Sohn verführt hatte, sie zu heiraten, weil sie wusste, dass er der Sohn eines Earls war. Der alte Anwalt selbst hatte mehr als nur halb geglaubt, dass dies alles wahr sei. Er hatte in seinem Leben sehr viele egoistische, habsüchtige Menschen gesehen, und er hatte keine gute Meinung von Amerikanern. Als er in die billige Straße gefahren wurde und sein Coupé vor dem billigen, kleinen Haus stehenblieb, fühlte er sich tatsächlich schockiert. Es schien wirklich schrecklich zu sein zu glauben, dass der zukünftige Besitzer von Dorincourt Castle und Wyndham Towers und Chorlworth sowie all der anderen stattlichen Pracht in einem unbedeutenden Haus in einer Straße mit einer Art Grünhöker an der Ecke geboren und aufgewachsen sein sollte. Er fragte sich, was für ein Kind er sein würde und welche Art von Mutter er hätte. Er scheute sich vielmehr davor, sie beide zu sehen. Er hatte eine Art Stolz auf die adlige Familie, dessen Rechtsangelegenheiten er so lange geführt hatte und es hätte ihn sehr verärgert, sich selbst verpflichtet zu sehen, einer Frau zu dienen, die ihm eine vulgäre, geldgierige Person zu sein schien, ohne Respekt für das Land ihres toten Ehemanns und die Würde seines Namens. Es war ein sehr alter Name und ein sehr prächtiger, und Mr. Havisham hatte dafür großen Respekt, obwohl er nur ein kalter, scharfsinniger, geschäftsmäßiger alter Anwalt war.

Als Mary ihn in die kleine gute Stube führte, sah er sich kritisch um. Es war schlicht eingerichtet, sah aber wie ein Zuhause aus; es gab keine billigen, gewöhnlichen Dekorationen und keine billigen, knalligen Bilder. Die wenigen Verzierungen an den Wänden waren geschmackvoll und rund um das Zimmer waren viele hübsche Dinge, die eine Frauenhand gemacht haben könnte.

"Gar nicht mal so schlecht", sagte er zu sich selbst, "aber vielleicht hat der Geschmack des Captain vorgeherrscht. Aber als Mrs. Errol ins Zimmer kam, begann er zu glauben, dass sie selbst vielleicht etwas damit zu tun hatte. Wenn er nicht so ein selbstzufriedener, steifer, alter Mann gewesen wäre, wäre er wahrscheinlich aufgesprungen, als er sie sah. Sie sah in ihrem einfachen Kleid, das genau auf ihre schlanke Figur zugeschnitten war, mehr wie ein junges Mädchen aus, als wie die Mutter eines siebenjährigen Jungen. Sie hatte ein schönes, sorgenvolles, junges Gesicht und ein sehr weichen, unschuldigen Blick in ihren großen braunen Augen, den sorgenvollen Blick, der ihr Gesicht nie ganz verlassen hatte, seit ihr Mann gestorben war. Cedric war daran gewöhnt, es dort zu sehen. Nur in Zeiten, wenn er mit ihr spielte oder sprach und dabei etwas Altmodisches gesagt hatte oder ein langes Wort gebrauchte, das er aus der Zeitung oder aus seinen Gesprächen mit Mr. Hobbs aufgeschnappt hatte, hatte er es jemals verblassen sehen. Er liebte es, lange Wörter zu gebrauchen und freute sich immer, wenn er sie damit zum Lachen brachte, obwohl er nicht verstehen konnte, warum sie zum Lachen waren; denn für ihn waren das ganz ernste Angelegenheiten. Die Erfahrung lehrte den Anwalt, die Charaktere von Leuten sehr scharfsinnig zu lesen, und sobald er Cedrics Mutter sah, wusste er, dass der alte Earl einen großen Fehler gemacht hatte, bei ihr an eine ordinäre, geldgierige Frau zu denken. Mr. Havisham war niemals verheiratet gewesen, er war sogar niemals verliebt gewesen, aber er erahnte, dass diese schöne junge Kreatur mit der süßen Stimme und den traurigen Augen Captain Errol nur geheiratet hatte, weil sie ihn mit ihrem ganzen gütigen Herzen liebte und dass sie nicht ein einziges Mal gedacht hatte, es könnte von Vorteil sein, dass er der Sohn eines Earls war. Und er sah, dass er mit Ihr keinen Ärger haben würde, und er bekam das Gefühl, dass der Kleine Lord Fauntleroy vielleicht doch nicht so eine Belastung für seine Adelsfamilie sein würde. Der Captain war ein hübscher Kerl gewesen, und die junge Mutter war sehr schön, und der Junge mochte wohl ansehnlich genug sein.

Als er Mrs. Errol eröffnete, weshalb er gekommen war, wurde sie sehr blass.

"Oh!", sagte sie, "wird er mir weggenommen werden müssen? Wir lieben einander so sehr! Er ist solch ein Glück für mich! Er ist alles, was ich habe. Ich habe versucht, ihm eine gute Mutter zu sein." Und ihre süße junge Stimme zitterte, und die Tränen stürzten ihr ihn die Augen. "Sie wissen nicht, was er für mich bedeutet hat!", sagte sie.

Der Anwalt räusperte sich.

"Ich bin verpflichtet, Ihnen zu sagen", sagte er, "dass der Earl of Dorincourt auf Sie nicht ... nicht sehr gut zu sprechen ist. Er ist ein alter Mann und seine Vorurteile sind sehr dauerhaft. Ihm haben immer besonders Amerika und die Amerikaner missfallen, und er war sehr wütend über die Hochzeit seines Sohnes. Ich bedauere, dass ich der Überbringer solch unfreundlicher Mitteilungen bin, aber er ist in seiner Entschlossenheit, sich nicht mit Ihnen zu treffen, sehr festgelegt. Sein Plan ist, dass Lord Fauntleroy unter seinen eigenen Oberaufsicht erzogen werden soll, dass er bei ihm leben soll. Der Earl hängt sehr an Dorincourt Castle und verbringt dort einen großen Teil seiner Zeit. Er ist ein Opfer entzündlicher Gicht und mag London gar nicht. Lord Fauntleroy wird demnach wahrscheinlich hauptsächlich auf Dorincourt leben. Der Earl bietet Ihnen als Heim ein Pförtnerhäuschen, das angenehm gelegen und nicht sehr weit vom Schloss entfernt ist. Er bietet Ihnen auch ein angemessenes Einkommen. Lord Fauntleroy wird es erlaubt sein, Sie zu besuchen. Die einzige Bedingung ist, dass Sie ihn nicht besuchen oder die Parkanlagen betreten werden. Sehen Sie, Sie werden nicht wirklich von Ihrem Sohn getrennt; und ich versichere Ihnen, Madam, die Bedingungen sind nicht so schroff, wie ... wie sie hätten sein können. Der Vorteil einer solchen Umgebung und Erziehung wie Lord Fauntleroy sie haben wird, - ich bin sicher Sie sehen das auch so - wird sehr groß sein."

Er fühlte sich ein wenig ungemütlich, falls sie anfangen würde zu weinen oder eine Szene zu machen, wie es seiner Kenntnis nach einige Frauen getan haben würden. Es war ihm peinlich und ärgerte ihn, Frauen weinen zu sehen.

Aber das tat sie nicht. Sie ging zum Fenster und stand für einige Augenblicke mit abgewendetem Gesicht, und er sah, wie sie versuchte, sich zu beherrschen.

"Captain Errol mochte Dorincourt sehr gern," sagte sie endlich. "Er liebte England und alles, was typisch Englisch war. Es war für ihn immer ein Kummer, dass er von seinem Zuhause getrennt wurde. Er war stolz auf sein Zuhause und auf seinen Namen. Er würde wünschen ... Ich weiß, er würde wünschen, dass sein Sohn die alten schönen Orte kennenlernen sollte und so aufgezogen würde, wie es seiner zukünftigen Position angemessen sein würde."

Dann kam sie zurück an den Tisch und blickte unendlich sanft zu Mr. Havisham auf.

"Mein Mann würde es sich wünschen", sagte sie. "Es wird das Beste für meinen kleinen Jungen sein. Ich weiß - ich bin sicher, dass der Earl nicht so unfreundlich sein würde, ihn zu lehren, mich nicht zu lieben; und ich weiß, -- auch wenn er es versuchen würde - dass mein kleiner Junge zu sehr wie sein Vater ist, um verletzt zu werden. Er hat eine warme, treue Natur und ein echtes Herz. Er würde mich lieben, auch wenn er mich nicht sehen würde; und solange wir uns sehen dürfen, sollte ich nicht sehr leiden."

"Sie denkt sehr wenig an sich selbst", dachte der Anwalt. " Sie stellt für sich keinerlei Bedingungen."

"Madam", sagte er laut, "Ich respektiere Ihre Rücksichtnahme auf Ihren Sohn. Wenn er ein Mann ist, wird er es Ihnen danken. Ich versichere Ihnen, dass Lord Fauntleroy sehr sorgfältig behütet werden wird und es wird jede Anstrengungen unternommen werden, um sein Glück zu gewährleisten. Der Earl of Dorincourt wird so sehr um seine Geborgenheit und sein Wohlbefinden besorgt sein, wie Sie selbst es nur sein können."

"Ich hoffe", sagte die zärtliche kleine Mutter mit ziemlich gebrochener Stimme, "dass sein Großvater Ceddie lieben wird. Der kleine Junge hat ein sehr liebevolles Wesen und er wurde immer geliebt."

Mr. Havisham räusperte sich erneut. Er konnte sich nicht so recht vorstellen, dass der gichtkranke alte Earl mit seinem hitzigen Temperament irgendjemanden besonders liebte ; aber er wusste, es würde in seinem Interesse sein, zu dem Kind, der sein Erbe war, auf seine gereizte Art freundlich zu sein. Auch wusste er, wenn Ceddie seinem Namen irgendwie Ehre machen würde, dann würde sein Großvater stolz auf ihn sein.

"Lord Fauntleroy wird sich wohlfühlen, da bin ich mir sicher", antwortete er. "Im Hinblick auf sein Glück wünschte der Earl, dass Sie nahe genug bei ihm sein sollten, um ihn oft zu sehen."

Er dachte nicht, dass es taktvoll sein würde, die genauen Worte zu wiederholen, die der Earl verwendet hatte, die in der Tat weder höflich noch liebenswürdig waren.

Mr. Havisham zog es vor, das Angebot seines adeligen Klienten in einer sanfteren und höflicheren Sprache auszudrücken.

Er hatte einen weiteren leichten Schock, als Mrs. Errol Mary bat, ihren kleinen Jungen zu finden und zu ihr zu bringen, und Mary erzählte, wo er war.

"Sicherlich werde ich ihn leicht finden, Madam", sagte sie, "weil er in dieser Minute bei Mr. Hobbs ist, auf seinem Hochstuhl am Tresen sitzt und über Politik spricht, höchst wahrscheinlich, oder er amüsiert sich zwischen der Seife und den Kerzen und Kartoffeln, so gescheit und süß wie Sie wünschen."

"Mr. Hobbs kennt ihn schon sein ganzes Leben", sagte Mrs. Errol zu dem Rechtsanwalt. "Er ist sehr nett zu Ceddie und es besteht eine große Freundschaft zwischen ihnen."

In Erinnerung an den flüchtigen Blick, den er auf den Laden werfen konnte, als er vorbei fuhr, und bei der Rückbesinnung auf die Fässer mit Kartoffeln und Äpfeln und verschiedenem Krimskrams, spürte Mr. Havisham, dass seine Zweifel wieder aufkamen. In England freundeten sich Söhne von Herrschaften nicht mit Lebensmittelhändlern an, und es erschien ihm als ziemlich einzigartiges Vorgehen. Es wäre sehr peinlich, wenn das Kind schlechte Manieren und die Neigung zu niederer Gesellschaft hätte. Eine der bittersten Demütigungen im Leben des alten Earls war, dass seine beiden älteren Söhne schlechte Gesellschaft mochten. Könnte es sein, dachte er, dass dieser Junge ihre schlechten Eigenschaften anstelle der guten Eigenschaften seines Vaters teilte?

Er dachte beunruhigt darüber nach, als er mit Frau Errol sprach, bis das Kind ins Zimmer kam. Als sich die Tür öffnete, zögerte er tatsächlich einen Moment, bevor er Cedric ansah. Es wäre vielleicht für viele Leute, die ihn kannten, sehr seltsam gewesen, wenn sie die merkwürdigen Empfindungen gekannt hätten, die durch Mr. Havisham gingen, als er auf den Jungen herabblickte, der in die Arme seiner Mutter lief. Er erlebte einen Gefühlsschock, der sehr aufregend war. Er erkannte sofort, dass hier einer der besten und stattlichsten kleinen Kerle war, den er je gesehen hatte.

Seine Schönheit war etwas Ungewöhnliches. Er hatte einen starken, geschmeidigen, anmutigen kleinen Körper und ein männliches kleines Gesicht; er hielt seinen kindlichen Kopf hoch und trug sich mit einer mutigen Art; er war seinem Vater so ähnlich, dass es wirklich erstaunlich war; er hatte die goldenen Haare seines Vaters und die braunen Augen seiner Mutter, aber es gab nichts Trauriges oder Schüchternes in ihnen. Es waren unschuldige, furchtlose Augen; er sah aus, als hätte er in seinem Leben noch nie etwas gefürchtet oder angezweifelt.

"Er ist der am besten aussehende und hübscheste kleine Kerl, den ich je gesehen habe", dachte Mr.Havisham. Was er laut sagte, war einfach: "Und so ist das der kleine Lord Fauntleroy."

Und danach, je mehr er den kleinen Lord Fauntleroy sah, desto überraschender fand er ihn. Er wusste sehr wenig über Kinder, obwohl er viele von ihnen in England gesehen hatte - - feine, hübsche, rosige Mädchen und Jungen, die von ihren Lehrern und Gouvernanten streng gehalten wurden und die manchmal scheu und manchmal ein wenig ausgelassen waren aber niemals sehr interessant für einen feierlichen, starren alten Anwalt. Vielleicht brachte ihn sein persönliches Interesse am Vermögen des kleinen Lord Fauntleroy dazu, Ceddie mehr bemerken, als er andere Kinder bemerkt hätte, aber - wie auch immer - er bemerkte ihn sicherlich sehr.

Cedric wusste nicht, dass er beobachtet wurde, und er benahm sich nur in seiner normalen Art. Er gab Mr. Havisham in seiner freundlichen Art die Hand, als sie einander vorgestellt wurden, und er beantwortete alle seine Fragen mit der bedenkenlosen Bereitschaft, mit der er Mr. Hobbs antwortete. Er war weder schüchtern noch mutig, und als Mr. Havisham mit seiner Mutter sprach, bemerkte der Anwalt, dass er dem Gespräch mit so viel Interesse zuhörte, als wäre er schon ganz erwachsen.

"Er scheint ein sehr reifer kleiner Kerl zu sein", sagte Mr. Havisham zu der Mutter.

"Ich denke, das ist er bei manchen Dingen", antwortete sie. "Er hat immer sehr schnell gelernt und er hat sehr viel mit Erwachsenen zusammen gelebt. Er hat eine kleine lustige Art, lange Wörter und Ausdrücke zu benutzen, die er in einem Buch gelesen oder von anderen gehört hat, aber kindliche Spiele mag er sehr. Ich denke, er ist ziemlich schlau, aber manchmal ist er ein typischer kleiner Junge."

Beim nächsten Mal als Mr. Havisham ihn traf, sah er, dass dies genau zutraf. Als seine Kutsche um die Ecke fuhr, erblickte er eine Gruppe kleiner Jungen, die sehr aufgeregt waren. Zwei von ihnen wollten gerade ein Rennen durchführen und einer davon war seine junge Lordschaft, und er schrie und machte genauso viel Lärm wie die lautesten seiner Kameraden. Er stand Seite an Seite mit einem anderen Jungen, ein kleines rotes Bein rückte einen Schritt vor.

"Eins, um sich bereit zu machen!", brüllte der Starter. "Zwei, um ins Gleichgewicht zu kommen. Drei -- und los!"

Mr. Havisham lehnte sich mit einem merkwürdigen Gefühl von Interesse aus dem Fenster seines Coupes. Er erinnerte sich wirklich überhaupt nicht daran, je etwas Ähnliches gesehen zu haben wie die Art, in der die herrschaftlichen kleinen roten Beine seiner Lordschaft hinter seinen Knickerbockern flogen und über den Boden preschten, als er im Rennen auf das Signalwort los schoss. Er schloss seine kleinen Hände und stemmte sein Gesicht gegen den Wind; sein helles Haar flog hinter ihm her.

"Hurra, Ced Errol!", riefen all die Jungen und hüpften und schrien vor Begeisterung. "Hurra, Billy Williams! Hurra, Ceddie! Hurra, Billy! Hurra! 'ra! 'ra!"

"Ich glaube wirklich, dass er gewinnen wird", sagte Mr. Havisham. Die Art wie die roten Beine auf und ab flogen und blitzten, die Schreie der Jungen, die wilden Anstrengungen von Billy Williams, dessen braune Beine nicht zu verachten waren, wie sie dicht hinter den roten Beinen folgten, versetzten ihn in einige Aufregung. "Wirklich -- Ich kann wirklich nicht anders als zu hoffen, dass er gewinnen wird!", sagte er mit einem entschuldigenden Hüsteln. In diesem Moment kam das wildeste Geschrei von den tanzenden, hopsenden Jungen. Mit einem letzten, wilden Sprung erreichte der zukünftige Earl von Dorincourt den Laternenpfahl am Ende des Blocks und berührte ihn, nur zwei Sekunden bevor Billy Williams sich schnaufend daran warf.

"Dreimal Hoch auf Ceddie Errol!", schrien die kleinen Jungen. "Hurra für Ceddie Errol!"

Mr. Havisham zog seinen Kopf zurück durch das Fenster seiner Kutsche und lehnte sich mit einem trockenen Lächeln zurück.

"Bravo, Lord Fauntleroy!" sagte er.

Als die Kutsche vor Mrs. Errols Haus anhielt, kamen der Sieger und der Besiegte auf sie zu, begleitet von der tobenden Gruppe. Cedric ging neben Billy Williams und sprach mit ihm. Sein begeistertes kleines Gesicht war sehr rot, seine Locken klebten an seiner heißen, feuchten Stirn, seine Hände waren in seinen Taschen.

"Siehst du", sagte er, offensichtlich mit der Absicht, seinem erfolglosen Rivalen die Niederlage zu erleichtern, "ich denke, ich habe gewonnen, weil meine Beine etwas länger sind als deine. Ich denke, das war es. Siehst du, ich bin drei Tage älter als du und das gibt mir 'nen Vorteil. Ich bin drei Tage älter."

Und diese Sicht auf den Fall schien Billy Williams so sehr aufzumuntern, dass er zu lächeln begann und sich in der Lage fühlte, etwas zu stolzieren, fast so, als hätte er das Rennen gewonnen, statt es zu verlieren. Irgendwie gelang es Ceddie Errol, dass sich die Leute wohl fühlten. Sogar im ersten Rausch seiner Erfolge erinnerte er sich daran, dass die Person, die geschlagen wurde, sich nicht so glücklich fühlte wie er und es mögen würde zu denken, er hätte unter anderen Umständen der Gewinner sein können.

An jenem Morgen hatte Mr. Havisham eine ziemlich lange Unterhaltung mit dem Gewinner des Rennens - - eine Unterhaltung, die ihn dazu brachte sein trockenes Lächeln zu lächeln und mehrere Male mit seiner knöchernen Hand sein Kinn zu rubbeln.

Mrs. Errol war aus dem Salon gerufen worden und der Anwalt und Cedric wurden allein gelassen. Zunächst fragte sich Mr. Havisham, was er zu diesem kleinen Gefährten sagen sollte. Er war der Meinung, dass es vielleicht am besten wäre, einiges zu sagen, was Cedric darauf vorbereiten könnte, mit seinem Großvater zusammenzutreffen, und vielleicht auf die große Veränderung, die auf ihn zukommen würde. Er konnte sehen, dass Cedric nicht die geringste Vorstellung hatte von dem, was auf ihn zu käme wenn er England erreichte, oder von der Art von Zuhause, das dort auf ihn wartete. Er wusste noch nicht einmal, dass seine Mutter nicht mit ihm im selben Haus leben würde. Sie hatten gedacht, es wäre besser, ihn den ersten Schock überwinden zu lassen, bevor man es ihm sagte.

Mr. Havisham saß in einem Lehnstuhl an einer Seite des offenen Fensters. Auf der anderen Seite war ein noch größerer Sessel, in dem Cedric saß und Mr. Havisham ansah. Er saß weit zurück in der Tiefe seines großen Sitzes, seinen lockigen Kopf gegen das Kissen gelehnt, seine Beine gekreuzt und seine Hände tief in die Taschen gesteckt, auf ganz ähnliche Weise, wie Mr. Hobbs es machte. Er hatte Mr. Havisham ganz pausenlos beobachtet, als seine Mama im Zimmer gewesen war; und nachdem sie gegangen war, sah er ihn immer noch in respektvoller Nachdenklichkeit an. Es gab ein kleines Schweigen, nachdem Mrs. Errol hinausgegangen war, und Cedric schien Mr. Havisham zu studieren, und ganz sicher studierte Mr. Havisham Cedric. Er konnte sich nicht entscheiden, was ein ältlicher Herr zu einem kleinen Jungen sagen sollte, der Rennen gewann und Kniebundhosen trug und rote Strümpfe an Beinen, die nicht lang genug waren, um überzuhängen, wenn er ganz hinten auf einem großen Stuhl saß.

Aber Cedric erlöste ihn, indem er plötzlich selbst die Unterhaltung begann.

"Wissen Sie," sagte er, "Ich weiß nicht, was ein Earl ist".
"Weißt du nicht?" sagte Mr. Havisham.

„Nein", antwortete Ceddie. "Und ich denke, wenn ein Junge einer werden wird, sollte er es wissen. Sie nicht?“

"Nun -- ja," antwortete Mr. Havisham.

"Würde es Ihnen etwas ausmachen," sagte Ceddie respektvoll--"würde es Ihnen etwas ausmachen, es mir zu erklären?" (Wenn er seine langen Worte benutzte, sprach er sie manchmal nicht ganz richtig aus.) „Was hat ihn zu einem Earl gemacht?"

"In erster Linie ein König oder eine Königin," sagte Mr. Havisham. "Im Allgemeinen wird er zu einem Earl gemacht, weil er seinem Landesfürsten einen Dienst erwiesen oder eine große Tat vollbracht hat."

„Oh!" sagte Cedric: „Das ist wie beim Präsidenten."

„Ist es da so?" fragte Mr. Havisham. "Werden deshalb eure Präsidenten gewählt?"

„Ja", antwortete Ceddie fröhlich. „Wenn ein Mann sehr gut ist und sehr viel weiß, wird er zum Präsidenten gewählt. Sie haben Fackelumzüge und Bands, und jeder hält Reden. Ich habe mir immer vorgestellt, ich könnte vielleicht ein Präsident sein, aber ich habe nie daran gedacht, ein Earl zu sein. Ich wusste nichts über Earls", sagte er ziemlich hastig, damit Mr. Havisham es nicht unhöflich an ihm empfindet, nicht den Wunsch gehabt zu haben, einer zu sein,-- "Wenn ich etwas von ihnen gewusst hätte, könnte ich mir denken, dass ich gerne einer hätte sein wollen.“

„Es ist eher anders als ein Präsident zu sein", sagte Mr. Havisham.

„Wirklich?“ fragte Cedric. „Wie? Gibt es keine Fackelumzüge?".

Mr. Havisham schlug die Beine übereinander und legte die Fingerkuppen sorgfältig aneinander. Er dachte, vielleicht sei es an der Zeit, die Angelegenheiten etwas klarer zu erläutern.

"Ein Earl ist... ist eine sehr wichtige Person", begann er.

"Ein Präsident ist das auch!" warf Ceddie ein. "Die Fackelumzüge sind fünf Meilen lang, und sie schießen Raketen ab, und die Band spielt! Mr. Hobbs nahm mich mit, um sie zu sehen."

„Ein Earl", fuhr Mr. Havisham fort und fühlte sich auf ziemlich unsicherem Boden, "ist oft von sehr altem Geschlecht -".

„Was ist denn das?" fragte Ceddie.

„Von einer sehr alten Familie - außerordentlich alt."

„Ach!“ sagte Cedric und schob seine Hände tiefer in seine Taschen. "Ich nehme an, das ist das Gleiche mit der Apfelfrau in der Nähe des Parks. Ich wage zu behaupten, dass sie von altem Ge-Geschlecht ist. Sie ist so alt, dass es Sie überraschen würde, wie sie aufstehen kann. Sie ist hundert, sollte ich denken, und doch ist sie da draußen, sogar wenn es regnet. Sie tut mir leid und den anderen Jungen auch. Billy Williams hatte einmal fast einen Dollar, und ich bat ihn, jeden Tag für fünf Cent Äpfel von ihr zu kaufen, bis er alles ausgegeben hatte. Das ergab zwanzig Tage, und er wurde nach einer Woche der Äpfel müde; aber dann - es war ein ziemliches Glück - gab mir ein Herr fünfzig Cent und ich kaufte stattdessen Äpfel von ihr. Es tut einem leid für jeden, der so arm ist und so ein altes Ge-Geschlecht hat. Sie sagt, ihres ist in ihre Knochen gefahren und der Regen macht es schlimmer."

Mr. Havisham fühlte sich eher ratlos, als er in das unschuldige, ernsthafte kleine Gesicht seines Begleiters schaute.

"Ich fürchte, du hast mich nicht ganz verstanden", erklärte er. "Als ich 'altes Geschlecht' sagte, meinte ich nicht das hohe Alter; ich meinte, dass der Name einer solchen Familie in der Welt schon lange bekannt ist; vielleicht seit Hunderten von Jahren sind Personen, die diesen Namen tragen, in der Geschichte ihres Landes bekannt und erwähnt worden."

"Wie George Washington", sagte Ceddie. "Ich habe von ihm gehört, seit ich geboren wurde, und er war lange vorher bekannt. Mr. Hobbs sagt, er wird nie vergessen werden. Das ist wegen der Unanhängigkeitserklärung, wissen Sie, und dem vierten Juli. Sie sehen, er war ein sehr tapferer Mann."

"Der erste Earl von Dorincourt", sagte Mr. Havisham feierlich, "wurde vor vierhundert Jahren zum Earl ernannt."

"Gut, gut!" sagte Ceddie. "Das war vor langer Zeit! Haben Sie das der Liebsten erzählt? Es würde sie sehr interessieren. Wir werden es ihr erzählen, wenn sie hereinkommt. Sie hört gern eigentümliche Dinge. Was macht ein Earl, außer ernannt zu werden?"

"Viele von ihnen haben geholfen, England zu regieren. Einige von ihnen waren tapfere Männer und haben in alten Zeiten in großen Schlachten gekämpft."

"Das würde ich gern tun", sagte Cedric. Mein Papa war ein Soldat und er war ein sehr tapferer Mann - so tapfer wie George Washington. Vielleicht war das deshalb, weil er ein Earl geworden wäre, wenn er nicht gestorben wäre Ich bin froh, dass Earls tapfer sind. Das ist ein Vorteil - ein tapferer Mann zu sein. Früher hatte ich ziemliche Angst vor Dingen - in der Dunkelheit, wissen Sie; aber wenn ich an die Soldaten der Revolution dachte und George Washington - hat mich das kuriert.

"Manchmal gibt es noch einen anderen Vorteil, ein Earl zu sein", sagte Mr. Havisham langsam und richtete seine scharfsichtigen Augen auf den kleinen Jungen mit einem ziemlich neugierigen Gesichtsausdruck. "Einige Earls haben viel Geld."

Er war neugierig, denn er fragte sich, ob sein junger Freund die Macht des Geldes kannte.

"Es zu haben ist eine gute Sache", sagte Ceddie unschuldig. "Ich wünschte, ich hätte sehr viel Geld."

"Wünschst du dir das?" sagte Mr. Havisham. "Und warum?"

"Nun", erklärte Cedric, "es gibt so viele Dinge, die ein Mensch mit Geld machen kann. Sehen Sie, es gibt eine Apfelfrau. Wenn ich sehr reich wäre, könnte ich ihr ein kleines Zelt kaufen, um darin ihren Verkaufsstand unterzubringen und einen kleinen Ofen und dann könnte ich ihr an jedem Morgen, an dem es regnet, einen Dollar geben, sodass sie es sich leisten könnte, zu Hause zu bleiben Und dann - oh! Ich würde ihr einen Schal geben. Und, sehen Sie, ihre Knochen würden ihr nicht so weh tun. Ihre Knochen sind nicht so wie unsere Knochen; sie schmerzen, wenn sie sich bewegt. Es ist sehr schmerzhaft, wenn Ihre Knochen weh tun. Wenn ich reich genug wäre, würde ich alle diese Dinge für sie tun, denke ich, die ihre Knochen in Ordnung bringen."

"Äh!", sagte Mr. Havisham. "Und was sonst würdest du tun, wenn du reich wärest?"

"Oh, ich würde sehr viele Dinge tun. Selbstverständlich würde ich der Liebsten jede Art von schönen Dingen kaufen, Nadelbücher und Fächer und goldene Fingerhüte und Ringe und eine Enzyklopädie und eine Kutsche, sodass sie nicht auf die Straßenbahn warten müsste. Wenn sie rosa Seidenkleider möchte, würde ich ihr welche kaufen, aber sie hat Schwarz am liebsten. Aber ich würde sie in die großen Geschäfte mitnehmen und sie auffordern, sich umzuschauen und selbst etwas auszuwählen. Und dann, Dick ... ".

"Wer ist Dick?" fragte Mr. Havisham.

"Dick ist ein Schuhputzer", sagte seine junge Lordschaft, mit wachsendem Interesse an so aufregenden Plänen. "Er ist einer der nettesten Schuhputzer, die man jemals kannte. Er steht an der Ecke einer Straße in der Innenstadt. Ich kenne ihn schon seit Jahren. Einmal, als ich noch sehr klein war, ging ich mit der Liebsten aus und sie kaufte mir einen schönen Ball, der hüpfte, und ich trug ihn und er hüpfte in die Mitte der Straße, wo die Kutschen und Pferde waren, und ich war so enttäuscht, dass ich zu weinen begann ... ich war noch sehr klein. Ich hatte Schottenröcke an. Und Dick putzte die Schuhe eines Mannes und er sagte 'Hallo!' und er rann zwischen die Pferde und fing den Ball für mich ein und wischte ihn mit seinem Mantel ab und gab ihn mir und sagte: 'Es ist alles gut, mein Junge'. Die Liebste bewunderte ihn sehr und ich auch, und seitdem reden wir jedesmal mit ihm, wenn wir in die Innenstadt gehen. Er sagt 'Hallo' und ich sage 'Hallo' und dann reden wir ein bisschen und er erzählt mit, wie das Geschäft läuft. Es war zuletzt schlecht."

"Und was würdest du gern für ihn tun?" erkundigte sich der Anwalt, rieb sein Kinn und lächelte ein eigenartiges Lächeln.

"Nun", sagte Lord Fauntleroy und setzte sich in seinem Sessel in geschäftlicher Manier zurecht, "ich würde Jake rauskaufen."

"Und wer ist Jake?" fragte Mr. Havisham.

"Er ist Dicks Partner und er ist der schlechteste Partner, den ein Kerl haben könnte! Das sagt Dick. Er ist nicht gut für das Geschäft, und er ist nicht anständig. Er betrügt, und das macht Dick wütend. Es würde Sie auch wütend machen, wissen Sie, wenn Sie so hart sie könnten Schuhe putzten und dabei die ganze Zeit anständig sind, und Ihr Partner wäre überhaupt nicht anständig. Die Leute mögen Dick, aber sie mögen Jake nicht, und so kommen sie manchmal nicht wieder. Also, wenn ich reich wäre, würde ich Jake rauskaufen und Dick ein 'Chefzeichen' geben ... er sagt ein 'Chefzeichen' ist weitreichend; und ich würde ihm ein paar neue Kleider und neue Bürsten geben und ihn gut ausstatten. Er sagt, alles was er möchte ist, ordentlich anzufangen."

Es hätte nichts Vertrauensvolleres und Unschuldigeres geben können als die Art und Weise, wie seine kleine Lordschaft seine kleine Geschichte erzählte und dabei die Slanganteile seines Freundes Dick in unvoreingenommener Gutgläubigkeit zitierte. Er schien nicht den geringsten Zweifel daran zu haben, dass sein älterer Begleiter genauso interessiert sein müsste wie er selbst. Und wirklich begann Mr. Havisham, sich sehr zu interessieren. Aber vielleicht nicht so sehr für Dick und die Apfelfrau als für dieses kleine Lordchen, dessen Lockenkopf unter seiner gelben Mähne so mit wohlwollenden Plänen für seine Freunde beschäftigt war und der sich selbst anscheinend komplett vergessen hatte.

„Gibt es da etwas...." begann er. "Was würdest du dir holen, wenn du reich wärst?"

„Viele Sachen!" antwortete Lord Fauntleroy forsch, "aber als erstes würde ich Mary etwas Geld für Bridget geben - das ist ihre Schwester mit zwölf Kindern und einem arbeitslosen Mann. Sie kommt her und weint und die Liebste gibt ihr Sachen in einem Korb und dann weint sie wieder und sagt: 'Mögen Sie gesegnet sein, für eine schöne Dame'. Und ich glaube Mr. Hobbs hätte gern eine goldenen Uhr und eine Kette zur Erinnerung an mich und eine Meerschaumpfeife. Und dann würde ich gerne eine Firma gründen.".

"Eine Firma!", rief Mr. Havisham aus.

"Wie eine Kundgebung der Republikaner", erklärte Cedric und wurde ziemlich aufgeregt. "Ich hätte Fackeln und Uniformen und solche Sachen für alle Jungen und mich selbst auch. Und wir würden marschieren, wissen Sie, und exerzieren. Das ist es, was ich mir für mich wünschen würde, wenn ich reich wäre."

Die Tür öffnete sich und Mrs. Errol kam herein.

"Es tut mir leid, dass ich Sie so lange allein lassen musste", sagte sie zu Mr. Havisham, "aber eine arme Frau, die in großen Schwierigkeiten steckt, kam mich besuchen."

"Dieser junge Gentleman", sagte Mr. Havisham, "hat mir von einigen seiner Freunde erzählt und was er für sie tun würde, wenn er reich wäre."

"Bridget ist eine seiner Freundinnen", sagte Mrs. Errol, "und es war Bridget, mit der ich in der Küche sprach. Sie steckt jetzt in großen Schwierigkeiten, weil ihr Mann rheumatisches Fieber hat."

Cedric rutschte von seinem großen Sessel herunter.

"Ich denke, ich schaue nach ihr", sagte er, "und frage sie, wie es ihm geht. Er ist ein netter Mann, wenn es ihm gut geht. Ich bin ihm verpflichtet, weil er mir einmal ein Schwert aus Holz gemacht hat. Er ist ein sehr talentierter Mann."

Er rannte aus dem Zimmer und Mr. Havisham erhob sich von seinem Sessel. Es schien etwas in seinem Kopf zu haben, worüber er zu sprechen wünschte.

Er zögerte einen Moment, schaute auf Mrs. Errol und sagte dann: "Bevor ich Dorincourt Castle verließ, hatte ich eine Unterredung mit dem Earl, während der er mir einige Instruktionen gab. Er wünscht sich, dass sein Enkel sich mit Wohlgefallen auf sein zukünftiges Leben in England freuen kann und auch auf seine Bekanntschaft mit ihm selbst. Er sagte, dass ich seine Lordschaft wissen lassen sollte, dass die Veränderung in seinem Leben ihm Geld einbringen würde und Vergnügungen derer sich Kinder erfreuen. Falls er irgendwelche Wünsche äußern sollte, sollte ich sie erfüllen und ihm sagen, dass sein Großvater ihm gegeben habe, was er gewünscht hatte. Ich bin mir bewusst, dass der Earl nicht etwas dieser Art erwartet hatte, aber wenn es Lord Fauntleroy Vergnügen machte, dieser armen Frau zu helfen, sollte ich meinen, dass der Earl verärgert wäre, falls ich es nicht gewährte."

Zum zweiten Mal wiederholte er nicht die genauen Worte des Earls. Seine Lordschaft hatte nämlich gesagt: "Bringen Sie dem Knaben bei, dass ich ihm alles geben kann, was er will. Lassen Sie ihn wissen, was es bedeutet, der Enkel des Earl of Dorincourt zu sein. Kaufen Sie ihm alles, was ihm Freude macht, lassen Sie ihn Geld in seinen Taschen haben und sagen Sie ihm, sein Großvater habe es dort hinein getan."

Seine Motive waren alles andere als gut, und falls er es mit einer weniger gefühlvollen und warmherzigen Natur zu tun bekommen hätte, als der vom kleinen Lord Fauntleroy, hätte großer Schaden angerichtet werden können. Und Cedrics Mutter war zu vornehm, um irgendein Leid zu vermuten. Sie dachte, dass dieser einsame, unglückliche alte Mann, dessen Kinder tot waren, wünschte, freundlich zu ihrem kleinen Jungen zu sein und seine Liebe und sein Vertrauen zu gewinnen. Und es freute sie sehr zu denken, dass Ceddie in der Lage wäre, Bridget zu helfen. Es machte sie noch glücklicher zu wissen, dass das allererste Resultat des seltsamen Glücks, das ihrem kleinen Jungen widerfahren war, darin bestand, gütige Dinge für diejenigen tun zu können, die Güte vonnöten hatten. Eine ziemlich warme Farbe blühte auf ihren hübschen, jungen Gesicht.

"Oh!", sagte sie, "das ist sehr freundlich vom Earl; Cedric wird so glücklich sein! Er hat Bridget und Michael schon immer gern gehabt. Sie haben das völlig verdient. Ich habe mir oft gewünscht, ich hätte ihnen mehr helfen können. Michael ist ein hart arbeitender Mann, wenn es ihm gut geht, aber er war lange Zeit krank, braucht teure Medizin, warme Kleidung und nahrhaftes Essen. Er und Bridget werden nicht verschwenderisch mit dem sein, was man ihnen gibt."

Mr. Havisham steckte seine schmale Hand in seine Brusttasche und zog ein großes Taschenbuch heraus. Es lag ein eigenartiger Ausdruck auf seinem scharfen Gesicht. Die Wahrheit war, dass er sich fragte, was der Earl von Dorincourt sagen würde, wenn ihm erzählt wurde, was der erste Wunsch seines Enkels war, der gewährt worden war. Er fragte sich, was der böse, weltliche, egoistische alte Adlige darüber denken würde.

"Ich weiß nicht, ob du erkannt hast", sagte er, "dass der Earl von Dorincourt ein äußerst reicher Mann ist. Er kann es sich leisten, jede Laune zu befriedigen. Ich denke, es würde ihm gefallen zu wissen, dass Lord Fauntleroy mit irgendeiner Fantasie verwöhnt wurde. Wenn Sie ihn zurückrufen und es mir erlauben, werde ich ihm fünf Pfund für diese Leute geben."

"Das wären fünfundzwanzig Dollar!", rief Mrs. Errol aus. "Es wird ihnen wie ein Vermögen erscheinen. Ich kann kaum glauben, dass es wahr ist."

"Es ist tatsächlich wahr", sagte Mr. Havisham mit seinem trockenen Lächeln. "Eine große Veränderung hat sich im Leben Ihres Sohnes ereignet, sehr viel Macht wird in seinen Händen liegen."

"Oh!", rief seine Mutter. "Und er ist ein so ein kleiner Junge - ein sehr kleiner Junge. Wie kann ich ihm beibringen, sie richtig zu verwenden? Es macht mir einigermaßen Angst. Mein reizender, kleiner Ceddie!"

Der Anwalt räusperte sich leicht. Es berührte sein weltmännisches, hartes, altes Herz, diesen zärtlichen, scheuen Blick in ihren braunen Augen zu sehen.

"Ich denke, Madame", sagte er, "wie ich aus dem Gespräch mit Lord Fauntleroy heute morgen schließen darf, dass der nächste Earl von Dorincourt an andere genauso denken wird wie an sein adliges Selbst. Er ist jetzt noch ein Kind, aber ich denke, man kann ihm vertrauen."

Dann ging seine Mutter hinaus und brachte Cedric zurück in das Wohnzimmer. Mr. Havisham hörte ihn sprechen, bevor er das Zimmer betrat.

"Es ist infam-natorisches Rheuma", sagte er, "und das ist eine Art Rheuma, die schrecklich ist. Und er denkt an die noch nicht bezahlte Miete, und Bridget sagt, das macht die Inf'ammation noch schlimmer. Und Pat könnte einen Platz in einem Laden bekommen, wenn er etwas zum Anziehen hätte."

Sein kleines Gesicht sah ängstlich aus, als er hereinkam. Es tat ihm sehr leid für Bridget.

"Die Liebste sagte, Sie wollten mich sehen", sagte er zu Mr. Havisham. "Ich habe gerade mit Bridget gesprochen."

Mr. Havisham schaute einen Moment auf ihn hinunter. Er fühlte sich ein wenig misslich und unentschieden. Wie Cedrics Mutter gesagt hatte, er war ein sehr kleiner Junge.

"Der Earl of Dorincourt...", begann er und dann blickte er unwillkürlich auf Mrs. Errol.

Die Mutter des kleinen Lord Fauntleroy kniete sich plötzlich bei ihm hin und legte ihre beiden liebevollen Arme um seinen kindlichen Körper.

"Ceddie", sagte sie, "der Earl ist dein Großpapa, der Vater deines Vaters. Er ist sehr sehr freundlich und er liebt dich und wünscht sich, dass du ihn liebst, weil seine Söhne, die seine kleinen Jungen waren, tot sind. Er wünscht, dass du glücklich bist und dass du andere Leute glücklich machst. Er ist sehr reich und er wünscht, dass du alles hast, was du haben möchtest. Er hat es Mr. Havisham so gesagt und gab ihm einen großen Haufen Geld für dich. Du kannst Bridget jetzt etwas geben, genug um ihre Miete zu bezahlen und alles für Michael zu kaufen. Ist das nicht schön, Ceddie? Ist er nicht gut?" Und sie küsste das Kind auf seine runde Wange, wo plötzlich die helle Farbe in seiner aufgeregten Überraschung aufblitzte.

Er sah von seiner Mutter zu Mr. Havisham.

"Kann ich es jetzt haben?", rief er. "Kann ich es ihr jetzt sofort geben? Sie ist schon im Aufbruch."

Mr. Havisham händigte ihm das Geld aus. Es bestand aus frischen, sauberen Greenbacks [Dollarnoten] in einer kleinen Rolle.

Ceddie flog damit aus dem Zimmer.

"Bridget!", hörten sie ihn rufen, als er in die Küche preschte. "Bridget, warten Sie einen Moment! Hier ist etwas Geld. Es ist für Sie und Sie können die Miete bezahlen. Mein Großpapa gab es mir. Es ist für Sie und Michael!"

"Oh, Master Ceddie!", schrie Bridget mit ehrfürchtiger Stimme. "Das sind ja fünfundzwanzig Dollar hier. Wo ist die Herrin?"

"Ich denke, ich sollte gehen und es ihr erklären", sagte Mrs. Errol.

Also ging sie auch aus dem Raum und Mr. Havisham blieb für eine Weile allein zurück. Er ging zum Fenster, stand dort und schaute nachdenklich hinaus auf die Straße. Er dachte an den alten Earl von Dorincourt, der in seiner großen, prächtigen, düsteren Bibliothek des Schlosses saß, gichtkrank und einsam, umgeben von Prunk und Luxus, aber von niemandem wirklich geliebt, weil er sein Leben lang niemanden geliebt hatte, außer sich selbst; er war selbstsüchtig, maßlos, arrogant und leidenschaftlich gewesen; er hatte sich so sehr um den Earl von Dorincourt und sein Wohlbehagen gekümmert, dass er keine Zeit gehabt hatte, an andere Menschen zu denken; all sein Reichtum und seine Macht, alle Vorzüge seines edlen Namens und hohen Ranges, schienen ihm Dinge zu sein, die nur dem Vergnügen und der Freude des Earl von Dorincourt dienten; und jetzt, da er ein alter Mann war, hatten ihm all diese Aufregung und Selbstgefälligkeit nur eine schlechte Gesundheit, Gereiztheit und eine Abneigung gegen die Welt eingebracht, die ihn sicherlich nicht mochte. Trotz all seiner Pracht gab es keinen unbeliebteren alten Adligen als den Earl von Dorincourt und es gab kaum einen einsameren. Er konnte sein Schloss mit Gästen füllen, wenn er es wollte. Er konnte große Festessen und herrliche Jagdgesellschaften geben, aber er wusste, dass die Leute, die seine Einladungen annehmen würden, insgeheim Angst vor seinem missbilligenden, alten Gesicht und seinen sarkastischen, bissigen Reden hatten. Er hatte eine böse Zunge und eine verbitterte Wesensart, und er hatte Freude daran, Menschen zu verspotten und dafür zu sorgen, dass sie sich unwohl fühlen, wenn er die Macht dazu hatte, weil sie sensibel, stolz oder schüchtern waren.

Mr. Havisham kannte seine harte, böse Art auswendig und er dachte an ihn, als er aus dem Fenster in die enge, ruhige Straße blickte. Und da kam ihm in scharfem Gegensatz dazu das Bild des freundlichen, hübschen kleinen Burschen in den Sinn, der auf dem großen Stuhl sitzt und in seiner großzügigen, unschuldigen, ehrlichen Art die Geschichte von seinen Freunden Dick und der Apfelfrau erzählt. Und er dachte an das immense Einkommen, die schönen, majestätischen Ländereien, den Reichtum und die Macht für Gut und Böse, die im Laufe der Zeit in den kleinen, molligen Händen des kleinen Lord Fauntleroy liegen würden, der so tief in seinen Geldbeutel griff.

"Es wird einen großen Unterschied machen," sagte er sich. "Es wird einen großen Unterschied machen."

Bald danach kamen Cedric und seine Mutter zurück. Cedric war in bester Stimmung. Er setzte sich zwischen seiner Mutter und dem Anwal tauf seinen eigenen Stuhl und fiel mit den Händen auf den Knien in eine seiner urtümlichen Haltungen. Er glühte vor Freude über Bridgets Erleichterung und Begeisterung.

„Sie weinte!" sagte er. "Sie sagte, sie würde vor Freude weinen! Ich habe noch nie jemanden vor Freude weinen sehen. Mein Großvater muss ein sehr guter Mensch sein. Ich wusste nicht, dass er ein so guter Mensch ist. Es ist noch - noch angenehmer, ein Earl zu sein, als ich dachte. Ich bin fast froh -- ich bin fast GANZ froh, dass ich einer sein werde."
unit 1
By Frances Hodgson Burnett.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 3
In the first place, the story his mamma told him was a very curious one.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 4
He was obliged to hear it two or three times before he could understand it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 5
He could not imagine what Mr.Hobbs would think of it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 8
He turned quite pale when he was first told of it.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 9
"Oh!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 10
Dearest!"
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 11
he said, "I should rather not be an earl.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 12
None of the boys are earls.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 13
Can't I NOT be one?".
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 14
But it seemed to be unavoidable.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 17
His grandfather had sent for him to come to England, and his mamma thought he must go.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 20
I should be a selfish little mother if I did not send you.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 21
When you are a man, you will see why.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 22
Ceddie shook his head mournfully.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 23
"I shall be very sorry to leave Mr.Hobbs," he said.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 24
"I'm afraid he'll miss me, and I shall miss him.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 25
And I shall miss them all.".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 29
He found him reading the morning paper, and he approached him with a grave demeanor.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 31
"Hello!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 32
said Mr.Hobbs.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 33
"Mornin'!".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 34
"Good-morning," said Cedric.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 36
"Hello!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 37
he said again.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 38
Cedric gathered all his strength of mind together.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 39
"Mr.Hobbs," he said, "do you remember what we were talking about yesterday morning?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 40
"Well," replied Mr.Hobbs,--"seems to me it was England.".
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 41
"Yes," said Cedric; "but just when Mary came for me, you know?".
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 42
Mr.Hobbs rubbed the back of his head.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 43
"We WAS mentioning Queen Victoria and the aristocracy.".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 44
"Yes," said Cedric, rather hesitatingly, "and--and earls; don't you know?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 45
"Why, yes," returned Mr.Hobbs; "we DID touch 'em up a little; that's so!".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 46
Cedric flushed up to the curly bang on his forehead.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 47
Nothing so embarrassing as this had ever happened to him in his life.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 48
He was a little afraid that it might be a trifle embarrassing to Mr.Hobbs, too.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 49
"You said," he proceeded, "that you wouldn't have them sitting 'round on your cracker-barrels.".
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 50
"So I did!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 51
returned Mr.Hobbs, stoutly.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 52
"And I meant it.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 53
Let 'em try it--that's all!".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 54
"Mr.Hobbs," said Cedric, "one is sitting on this box now!".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 55
Mr.Hobbs almost jumped out of his chair.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 56
"What!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 57
he exclaimed.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 58
"Yes," Cedric announced, with due modesty; "_I_ am one--or I am going to be.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 59
I won't deceive you.".
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 60
Mr.Hobbs looked agitated.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 61
He rose up suddenly and went to look at the thermometer.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 62
"The mercury's got into your head!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 63
he exclaimed, turning back to examine his young friend's countenance.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 64
"It IS a hot day!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 65
How do you feel?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 66
Got any pain?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 67
When did you begin to feel that way?".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 68
He put his big hand on the little boy's hair.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 69
This was more embarrassing than ever.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 70
"Thank you," said Ceddie; "I'm all right.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 71
There is nothing the matter with my head.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 72
I'm sorry to say it's true, Mr.Hobbs.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 73
That was what Mary came to take me home for.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 74
Mr.Havisham was telling my mamma, and he is a lawyer.".
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 75
Mr.Hobbs sank into his chair and mopped his forehead with his handkerchief.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 76
"ONE of us has got a sunstroke!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 77
he exclaimed.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 78
"No," returned Cedric, "we haven't.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 79
We shall have to make the best of it, Mr.Hobbs.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 80
Mr.Havisham came all the way from England to tell us about it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 81
My grandpapa sent him.".
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 82
Mr.Hobbs stared wildly at the innocent, serious little face before him.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 83
"Who is your grandfather?"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 84
he asked.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 86
"I couldn't easily remember it, so I wrote it down on this," he said.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 87
And he read aloud slowly: "'John Arthur Molyneux Errol, Earl of Dorincourt.'
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 88
That is his name, and he lives in a castle--in two or three castles, I think.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 91
Mr.Hobbs seemed to grow hotter and hotter.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 92
He mopped his forehead and his bald spot and breathed hard.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 95
"Wha--what did you say your name was?"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 96
Mr.Hobbs inquired.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 97
"It's Cedric Errol, Lord Fauntleroy," answered Cedric.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 98
"That was what Mr.Havisham called me.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 99
He said when I went into the room: 'And so this is little Lord Fauntleroy!'
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 100
".
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 101
"Well," said Mr.Hobbs, "I'll be--jiggered!“.
4 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 102
This was an exclamation he always used when he was very much astonished or excited.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 103
He could think of nothing else to say just at that puzzling moment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 104
Cedric felt it to be quite a proper and suitable ejaculation.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 105
unit 108
He looked at Mr.Hobbs wistfully.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 109
"England is a long way off, isn't it?"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 110
he asked.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 111
"It's across the Atlantic Ocean," Mr.Hobbs answered.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 112
"That's the worst of it," said Cedric.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 113
"Perhaps I shall not see you again for a long time.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 114
I don't like to think of that, Mr.Hobbs.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 115
"The best of friends must part," said Mr.Hobbs.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 116
"Well," said Cedric, "we have been friends for a great many years, haven't we?“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 117
"Ever since you was born," Mr.Hobbs answered.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 118
"You was about six weeks old when you was first walked out on this street.“.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 119
"Ah," remarked Cedric, with a sigh, "I never thought I should have to be an earl then!“.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 120
"You think," said Mr.Hobbs, "there's no getting out of it?“.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 121
"I'm afraid not," answered Cedric.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 122
"My mamma says that my papa would wish me to do it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 123
But if I have to be an earl, there's one thing I can do: I can try to be a good one.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 124
I'm not going to be a tyrant.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 125
And if there is ever to be another war with America, I shall try to stop it.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 126
His conversation with Mr.Hobbs was a long and serious one.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 129
But then there were many things which astonished Mr.Havisham.
2 Translations, 6 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 130
He had spent all his life in England, and was not accustomed to American people and American habits.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 134
The old lawyer himself had more than half believed this was all true.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 138
He wondered what kind of a child he would be, and what kind of a mother he had.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 139
He rather shrank from seeing them both.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 142
When Mary handed him into the small parlor, he looked around it critically.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 144
"Not at all bad so far," he had said to himself; "but perhaps the Captain's taste predominated."
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 155
When he first told Mrs. Errol what he had come for, she turned very pale.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 156
"Oh!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 157
she said; "will he have to be taken away from me?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 158
We love each other so much!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 159
He is such a happiness to me!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 160
He is all I have.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 161
I have tried to be a good mother to him."
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 162
And her sweet young voice trembled, and the tears rushed into her eyes.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 163
"You do not know what he has been to me!"
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 164
she said.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 165
The lawyer cleared his throat.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 166
unit 167
He is an old man, and his prejudices are very strong.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 168
unit 170
unit 171
The Earl is attached to Dorincourt Castle, and spends a great deal of time there.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 172
He is a victim to inflammatory gout, and is not fond of London.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 173
Lord Fauntleroy will, therefore, be likely to live chiefly at Dorincourt.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 175
He also offers you a suitable income.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 180
It embarrassed and annoyed him to see women cry.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 181
But she did not.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 183
"Captain Errol was very fond of Dorincourt," she said at last.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 184
"He loved England, and everything English.
3 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 185
It was always a grief to him that he was parted from his home.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 186
He was proud of his home, and of his name.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 188
Then she came back to the table and stood looking up at Mr.Havisham very gently.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 189
"My husband would wish it," she said.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 190
"It will be best for my little boy.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 192
He has a warm, faithful nature, and a true heart.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 194
"She thinks very little of herself," the lawyer thought.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 195
"She does not make any terms for herself.“.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 196
"Madam," he said aloud, "I respect your consideration for your son.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 197
He will thank you for it when he is a man.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 199
unit 200
unit 201
The little boy has a very affectionate nature; and he has always been loved.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 202
Mr.Havisham cleared his throat again.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 204
unit 205
"Lord Fauntleroy will be comfortable, I am sure," he replied.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 208
Mr.Havisham preferred to express his noble patron's offer in smoother and more courteous language.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 211
"Mr.Hobbs has known him all his life," Mrs. Errol said to the lawyer.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 212
"He is very kind to Ceddie, and there is a great friendship between them.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 215
It would be very awkward if the child had bad manners and a disposition to like low company.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 217
unit 218
He was thinking uneasily about this as he talked to Mrs. Errol until the child came into the room.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 219
When the door opened, he actually hesitated a moment before looking at Cedric.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 221
He experienced a revulsion of feeling which was quite exciting.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 223
His beauty was something unusual.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 225
unit 226
"He is the best-bred-looking and handsomest little fellow I ever saw," was what Mr.Havisham thought.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 227
What he said aloud was simply, "And so this is little Lord Fauntleroy.“.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 228
And, after this, the more he saw of little Lord Fauntleroy, the more of a surprise he found him.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 6 months ago
unit 231
Cedric did not know he was being observed, and he only behaved himself in his ordinary manner.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 234
"He seems to be a very mature little fellow," Mr.Havisham said to the mother.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 235
"I think he is, in some things," she answered.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 236
"He has always been very quick to learn, and he has lived a great deal with grownup people.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 238
I think he is rather clever, but he is a very boyish little boy, sometimes.“.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 239
The next time Mr.Havisham met him, he saw that this last was quite true.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 240
unit 242
He stood side by side with another boy, one little red leg advanced a step.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 243
"One, to make ready!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 244
yelled the starter.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 245
"Two, to be steady.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 246
Three--and away!“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 247
Mr.Havisham found himself leaning out of the window of his coupe with a curious feeling of interest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 249
He shut his small hands and set his face against the wind; his bright hair streamed out behind.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 250
"Hooray, Ced Errol!"
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 251
all the boys shouted, dancing and shrieking with excitement.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 252
"Hooray, Billy Williams!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 253
Hooray, Ceddie!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 254
Hooray, Billy!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 255
Hooray!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 256
'Ray!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 257
'Ray!“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 258
"I really believe he is going to win," said Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 260
"I really--I really can't help hoping he will win!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 261
he said, with an apologetic sort of cough.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 262
At that moment, the wildest yell of all went up from the dancing, hopping boys.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 264
"Three cheers for Ceddie Errol!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 265
yelled the little boys.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 266
"Hooray for Ceddie Errol!“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 267
Mr.Havisham drew his head in at the window of his coupe and leaned back with a dry smile.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 268
"Bravo, Lord Fauntleroy!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 269
he said.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 271
Cedric walked by Billy Williams and was speaking to him.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 274
I guess that was it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 275
You see, I'm three days older than you, and that gives me a 'vantage.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 276
I'm three days older.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 278
Somehow, Ceddie Errol had a way of making people feel comfortable.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 281
Mrs. Errol had been called out of the parlor, and the lawyer and Cedric were left together.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 282
At first Mr.Havisham wondered what he should say to his small companion.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 285
He did not even know yet that his mother was not to live in the same house with him.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 286
They had thought it best to let him get over the first shock before telling him.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 292
But Cedric relieved him by suddenly beginning the conversation himself.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 293
"Do you know," he said, "I don't know what an earl is?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 294
"Don't you?"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 295
said Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 296
"No," replied Ceddie.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 297
"And I think when a boy is going to be one, he ought to know.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 298
Don't you?“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 299
"Well--yes," answered Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 300
"Would you mind," said Ceddie respectfully--"would you mind 'splaining it to me?"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 301
(Sometimes when he used his long words he did not pronounce them quite correctly.)
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 302
"What made him an earl?“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 303
"A king or queen, in the first place," said Mr.Havisham.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 304
unit 305
"Oh!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 306
said Cedric; "that's like the President.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 307
"Is it?"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 308
said Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 309
"Is that why your presidents are elected?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 310
"Yes," answered Ceddie cheerfully.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 311
"When a man is very good and knows a great deal, he is elected president.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 312
They have torch-light processions and bands, and everybody makes speeches.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 313
I used to think I might perhaps be a president, but I never thought of being an earl.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 315
"It is rather different from being a president," said Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 316
"Is it?"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 317
asked Cedric.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 318
"How?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 319
Are there no torch-light processions?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 320
Mr.Havisham crossed his own legs and put the tips of his fingers carefully together.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 321
He thought perhaps the time had come to explain matters rather more clearly.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 322
"An earl is--is a very important person," he began.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 323
"So is a president!"
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 324
put in Ceddie.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 325
"The torch-light processions are five miles long, and they shoot up rockets, and the band plays!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 326
Mr.Hobbs took me to see them.“.
1 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 328
"What's that?"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 329
asked Ceddie.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 330
"Of very old family--extremely old.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 331
"Ah!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 332
said Cedric, thrusting his hands deeper into his pockets.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 333
"I suppose that is the way with the apple-woman near the park.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 334
I dare say she is of ancient lin-lenage.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 335
She is so old it would surprise you how she can stand up.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 336
She's a hundred, I should think, and yet she is out there when it rains, even.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 337
I'm sorry for her, and so are the other boys.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 340
You feel sorry for any one that's so poor and has such ancient lin-lenage.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 341
She says hers has gone into her bones and the rain makes it worse.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 342
Mr.Havisham felt rather at a loss as he looked at his companion's innocent, serious little face.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 343
"I am afraid you did not quite understand me," he explained.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 345
"Like George Washington," said Ceddie.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 346
"I've heard of him ever since I was born, and he was known about, long before that.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 347
Mr.Hobbs says he will never be forgotten.
1 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 348
That's because of the Declaration of Independence, you know, and the Fourth of July.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 349
You see, he was a very brave man.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 351
"Well, well!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 352
said Ceddie.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 353
"That was a long time ago!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 354
Did you tell Dearest that?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 355
It would int'rust her very much.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 356
We'll tell her when she comes in.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 357
She always likes to hear cur'us things.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 358
What else does an earl do besides being created?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 359
"A great many of them have helped to govern England.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 360
Some of them have been brave men and have fought in great battles in the old days.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 361
"I should like to do that myself," said Cedric.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 362
"My papa was a soldier, and he was a very brave man--as brave as George Washington.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 363
Perhaps that was because he would have been an earl if he hadn't died.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 364
I am glad earls are brave.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 365
That's a great 'vantage--to be a brave man.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 368
"Some earls have a great deal of money.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 369
He was curious because he wondered if his young friend knew what the power of money was.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 370
"That's a good thing to have," said Ceddie innocently.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 371
"I wish I had a great deal of money.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 372
"Do you?"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 373
said Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 374
"And why?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 375
"Well," explained Cedric, "there are so many things a person can do with money.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 376
You see, there's the apple-woman.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 378
And then--oh!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 379
I'd give her a shawl.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 380
And, you see, her bones wouldn't feel so badly.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 381
Her bones are not like our bones; they hurt her when she moves.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 382
It's very painful when your bones hurt you.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 383
If I were rich enough to do all those things for her, I guess her bones would be all right.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 384
"Ahem!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 385
said Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 386
"And what else would you do if you were rich?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 387
"Oh!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 388
I'd do a great many things.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 390
If she liked pink silk dresses, I should buy her some, but she likes black best.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 391
But I'd, take her to the big stores, and tell her to look 'round and choose for herself.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 392
And then Dick----“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 393
"Who is Dick?"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 394
asked Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 395
unit 396
"He is one of the nicest boot-blacks you ever knew.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 397
He stands at the corner of a street down-town.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 398
I've known him for years.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 400
I had kilts on.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 401
And Dick was blacking a man's shoes, and he said 'Hello!'
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 403
unit 404
He says 'Hello!'
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 405
and I say 'Hello!'
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 406
and then we talk a little, and he tells me how trade is.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 407
It's been bad lately.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 408
"And what would you like to do for him?"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 409
inquired the lawyer, rubbing his chin and smiling a queer smile.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 410
unit 411
"And who is Jake?"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 412
Mr.Havisham asked.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 413
"He's Dick's partner, and he is the worst partner a fellow could have!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 414
Dick says so.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 415
He isn't a credit to the business, and he isn't square.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 416
He cheats, and that makes Dick mad.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 418
People like Dick, but they don't like Jake, and so sometimes they don't come twice.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 420
He says all he wants is to start out fair.“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 424
"Is there anything----" he began.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 425
"What would you get for yourself, if you were rich?“.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 426
"Lots of things!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 429
And I think Mr.Hobbs would like a gold watch and chain to remember me by, and a meerschaum pipe.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 430
And then I'd like to get up a company.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 431
"A company!"
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 432
exclaimed Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 433
"Like a Republican rally," explained Cedric, becoming quite excited.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 434
"I'd have torches and uniforms and things for all the boys and myself, too.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 435
And we'd march, you know, and drill.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 436
That's what I should like for myself, if I were rich.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 437
The door opened and Mrs. Errol came in.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 441
She is in great trouble now because her husband has rheumatic fever.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 442
Cedric slipped down out of his big chair.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 443
"I think I'll go and see her," he said, "and ask her how he is.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 444
He's a nice man when he is well.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 445
I'm obliged to him because he once made me a sword out of wood.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 446
He's a very talented man.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 447
He ran out of the room, and Mr.Havisham rose from his chair.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 448
He seemed to have something in his mind which he wished to speak of.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 453
For the second time, he did not repeat the Earl's exact words.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 454
His lordship had, indeed, said: "Make the lad understand that I can give him anything he wants.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 455
Let him know what it is to be the grandson of the Earl of Dorincourt.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 458
And Cedric's mother was too gentle to suspect any harm.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 460
And it pleased her very much to think that Ceddie would be able to help Bridget.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 462
Quite a warm color bloomed on her pretty young face.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 463
"Oh!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 464
she said, "that was very kind of the Earl; Cedric will be so glad!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 465
He has always been fond of Bridget and Michael.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 466
They are quite deserving.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 467
I have often wished I had been able to help them more.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 469
He and Bridget will not be wasteful of what is given them.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 470
Mr.Havisham put his thin hand in his breast pocket and drew forth a large pocket-book.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 471
There was a queer look in his keen face.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 473
He wondered what the cross, worldly, selfish old nobleman would think of it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 474
unit 475
He can afford to gratify any caprice.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 476
I think it would please him to know that Lord Fauntleroy had been indulged in any fancy.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 477
If you will call him back and allow me, I shall give him five pounds for these people.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 478
"That would be twenty-five dollars!"
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 479
exclaimed Mrs. Errol.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 480
"It will seem like wealth to them.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 481
I can scarcely believe that it is true.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 482
"It is quite true," said Mr.Havisham, with his dry smile.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 483
"A great change has taken place in your son's life, a great deal of power will lie in his hands.“.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 484
"Oh!"
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 485
cried his mother.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 486
"And he is such a little boy--a very little boy.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 487
How can I teach him to use it well?
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 488
It makes me half afraid.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 489
My pretty little Ceddie!“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 490
The lawyer slightly cleared his throat.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 491
It touched his worldly, hard old heart to see the tender, timid look in her brown eyes.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 493
He is only a child yet, but I think he may be trusted.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 494
Then his mother went for Cedric and brought him back into the parlor.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 495
Mr.Havisham heard him talking before he entered the room.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 496
"It's infam-natory rheumatism," he was saying, "and that's a kind of rheumatism that's dreadful.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 497
And he thinks about the rent not being paid, and Bridget says that makes the inf'ammation worse.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 498
And Pat could get a place in a store if he had some clothes.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 499
His little face looked quite anxious when he came in.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 2 months ago
unit 500
He was very sorry for Bridget.
1 Translations, 0 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 501
"Dearest said you wanted me," he said to Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 502
"I've been talking to Bridget.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 503
Mr.Havisham looked down at him a moment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 504
He felt a little awkward and undecided.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 505
As Cedric's mother had said, he was a very little boy.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 506
"The Earl of Dorincourt----" he began, and then he glanced involuntarily at Mrs. Errol.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 508
"Ceddie," she said, "the Earl is your grandpapa, your own papa's father.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 510
He wishes you to be happy and to make other people happy.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 511
He is very rich, and he wishes you to have everything you would like to have.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 512
He told Mr.Havisham so, and gave him a great deal of money for you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 513
You can give some to Bridget now; enough to pay her rent and buy Michael everything.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 514
Isn't that fine, Ceddie?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 515
Isn't he good?"
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 517
He looked from his mother to Mr.Havisham.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 518
"Can I have it now?"
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 519
he cried.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 520
"Can I give it to her this minute?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 521
She's just going.“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 522
Mr.Havisham handed him the money.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 523
It was in fresh, clean greenbacks and made a neat roll.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 524
Ceddie flew out of the room with it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 525
"Bridget!"
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 526
they heard him shout, as he tore into the kitchen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 527
"Bridget, wait a minute!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 528
Here's some money.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 529
It's for you, and you can pay the rent.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 530
My grandpapa gave it to me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 531
It's for you and Michael!“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 532
"Oh, Master Ceddie!"
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 533
cried Bridget, in an awe-stricken voice.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 534
"It's twinty-foive dollars is here.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 535
Where be's the misthress?“.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 536
"I think I shall have to go and explain it to her," Mrs. Errol said.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 537
So she, too, went out of the room and Mr.Havisham was left alone for a while.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 538
He went to the window and stood looking out into the street reflectively.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 541
He could fill his castle with guests if he chose.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 547
"It will make a great difference," he said to himself.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 548
"It will make a great difference.“.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 549
Cedric and his mother came back soon after.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 550
Cedric was in high spirits.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 552
He was glowing with enjoyment of Bridget's relief and rapture.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 553
"She cried!"
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 554
he said.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 555
"She said she was crying for joy!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 556
I never saw any one cry for joy before.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 557
My grandpapa must be a very good man.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 558
I didn't know he was so good a man.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 559
It's more--more agreeabler to be an earl than I thought it was.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago
unit 560
I'm almost glad--I'm almost QUITE glad I'm going to be one.“
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 5 months ago

Hihi, ich habe mich auch schlau gemacht, weil ich da nur Halbwissen habe ;-).
Earl ist ein Titel, der dem deutschen Grafentitel ähnelt. Der Titelträger hat "das Sagen" über die Ländereien und Rechte, die mit dem Titel verbunden sind. Dieser Titel wird an den ältesten Sohn weitervererbt, Töchter sind nicht erbberechtigt.

Ich vermute Lord Fountleroy ist der Titel, den der nächste in der Erbfolge des Earl of Doringcourt tragen darf. So ähnlich wie der Prince of Wales der Titel des britischen Thronfolgers ist.

Und da es wirklich schwierig ist, das englische Adelsystem mit dem deutschen in Begriffen anzugleichen, bin ich dafür die englischen Titel beizubehalten. Genau wie auch Mr., Mrs. beibehalten wird.

"Little Lord Fauntleroy" oder der deutsche Titel "Der kleine Lord" sind so bekannt, dass ich gerade den Titel, die Anrede *Lord* gerne beibehalten würde.

Übrigens im ersten Teil haben wir auch die Titel beibehalten :-).

by Omega-I 6 years, 6 months ago

Ich habe mich ein wenig schlau gemacht. Earl ist ein Adelstitel, während Lord wohl nur eine Anrede ist.

by Maria-Helene 6 years, 6 months ago

Ich würde vorschlagen, wir nehmen den verdeutschten Titel von Earl, nämlich Lord. Es heißt ja auch in der Überschrift 'Little Lord Fauntleroy'.

by Maria-Helene 6 years, 6 months ago

By Frances Hodgson Burnett.

There was never a more amazed little boy than Cedric during the week that followed; there was never so strange or so unreal a week. In the first place, the story his mamma told him was a very curious one. He was obliged to hear it two or three times before he could understand it. He could not imagine what Mr.Hobbs would think of it. It began with earls: his grandpapa, whom he had never seen, was an earl; and his eldest uncle, if he had not been killed by a fall from his horse, would have been an earl, too, in time; and after his death, his other uncle would have been an earl, if he had not died suddenly, in Rome, of a fever. After that, his own papa, if he had lived, would have been an earl, but, since they all had died and only Cedric was left, it appeared that HE was to be an earl after his grandpapa's death--and for the present he was Lord Fauntleroy.

He turned quite pale when he was first told of it.

"Oh! Dearest!" he said, "I should rather not be an earl. None of the boys are earls. Can't I NOT be one?".

But it seemed to be unavoidable. And when, that evening, they sat together by the open window looking out into the shabby street, he and his mother had a long talk about it. Cedric sat on his footstool, clasping one knee in his favorite attitude and wearing a bewildered little face rather red from the exertion of thinking. His grandfather had sent for him to come to England, and his mamma thought he must go.

"Because," she said, looking out of the window with sorrowful eyes, "I know your papa would wish it to be so, Ceddie. He loved his home very much; and there are many things to be thought of that a little boy can't quite understand. I should be a selfish little mother if I did not send you. When you are a man, you will see why.“.

Ceddie shook his head mournfully.

"I shall be very sorry to leave Mr.Hobbs," he said. "I'm afraid he'll miss me, and I shall miss him. And I shall miss them all.".
When Mr.Havisham--who was the family lawyer of the Earl of Dorincourt, and who had been sent by him to bring Lord Fauntleroy to England--came the next day, Cedric heard many things. But, somehow, it did not console him to hear that he was to be a very rich man when he grew up, and that he would have castles here and castles there, and great parks and deep mines and grand estates and tenantry. He was troubled about his friend, Mr.Hobbs, and he went to see him at the store soon after breakfast, in great anxiety of mind.

He found him reading the morning paper, and he approached him with a grave demeanor. He really felt it would be a great shock to Mr.Hobbs to hear what had befallen him, and on his way to the store he had been thinking how it would be best to break the news.

"Hello!" said Mr.Hobbs. "Mornin'!".

"Good-morning," said Cedric.

He did not climb up on the high stool as usual, but sat down on a cracker-box and clasped his knee, and was so silent for a few moments that Mr.Hobbs finally looked up inquiringly over the top of his newspaper.

"Hello!" he said again.

Cedric gathered all his strength of mind together.

"Mr.Hobbs," he said, "do you remember what we were talking about yesterday morning?“.

"Well," replied Mr.Hobbs,--"seems to me it was England.".

"Yes," said Cedric; "but just when Mary came for me, you know?".

Mr.Hobbs rubbed the back of his head.

"We WAS mentioning Queen Victoria and the aristocracy.".

"Yes," said Cedric, rather hesitatingly, "and--and earls; don't you know?“.

"Why, yes," returned Mr.Hobbs; "we DID touch 'em up a little; that's so!".

Cedric flushed up to the curly bang on his forehead. Nothing so embarrassing as this had ever happened to him in his life. He was a little afraid that it might be a trifle embarrassing to Mr.Hobbs, too.

"You said," he proceeded, "that you wouldn't have them sitting 'round on your cracker-barrels.".

"So I did!" returned Mr.Hobbs, stoutly. "And I meant it. Let 'em try it--that's all!".

"Mr.Hobbs," said Cedric, "one is sitting on this box now!".

Mr.Hobbs almost jumped out of his chair.

"What!" he exclaimed.

"Yes," Cedric announced, with due modesty; "_I_ am one--or I am going to be. I won't deceive you.".

Mr.Hobbs looked agitated. He rose up suddenly and went to look at the thermometer.

"The mercury's got into your head!" he exclaimed, turning back to examine his young friend's countenance. "It IS a hot day! How do you feel? Got any pain? When did you begin to feel that way?".

He put his big hand on the little boy's hair. This was more embarrassing than ever.

"Thank you," said Ceddie; "I'm all right. There is nothing the matter with my head. I'm sorry to say it's true, Mr.Hobbs. That was what Mary came to take me home for. Mr.Havisham was telling my mamma, and he is a lawyer.".

Mr.Hobbs sank into his chair and mopped his forehead with his handkerchief.

"ONE of us has got a sunstroke!" he exclaimed.

"No," returned Cedric, "we haven't. We shall have to make the best of it, Mr.Hobbs. Mr.Havisham came all the way from England to tell us about it. My grandpapa sent him.".

Mr.Hobbs stared wildly at the innocent, serious little face before him.

"Who is your grandfather?" he asked.

Cedric put his hand in his pocket and carefully drew out a piece of paper, on which something was written in his own round, irregular hand.

"I couldn't easily remember it, so I wrote it down on this," he said. And he read aloud slowly: "'John Arthur Molyneux Errol, Earl of Dorincourt.' That is his name, and he lives in a castle--in two or three castles, I think. And my papa, who died, was his youngest son; and I shouldn't have been a lord or an earl if my papa hadn't died; and my papa wouldn't have been an earl if his two brothers hadn't died. But they all died, and there is no one but me,--no boy,--and so I have to be one; and my grandpapa has sent for me to come to England.“.

Mr.Hobbs seemed to grow hotter and hotter. He mopped his forehead and his bald spot and breathed hard. He began to see that something very remarkable had happened; but when he looked at the little boy sitting on the cracker-box, with the innocent, anxious expression in his childish eyes, and saw that he was not changed at all, but was simply as he had been the day before, just a handsome, cheerful, brave little fellow in a blue suit and red neck-ribbon, all this information about the nobility bewildered him. He was all the more bewildered because Cedric gave it with such ingenuous simplicity, and plainly without realizing himself how stupendous it was.

"Wha--what did you say your name was?" Mr.Hobbs inquired.

"It's Cedric Errol, Lord Fauntleroy," answered Cedric. "That was what Mr.Havisham called me. He said when I went into the room: 'And so this is little Lord Fauntleroy!' ".

"Well," said Mr.Hobbs, "I'll be--jiggered!“.

This was an exclamation he always used when he was very much astonished or excited. He could think of nothing else to say just at that puzzling moment.

Cedric felt it to be quite a proper and suitable ejaculation. His respect and affection for Mr.Hobbs were so great that he admired and approved of all his remarks. He had not seen enough of society as yet to make him realize that sometimes Mr.Hobbs was not quite conventional. He knew, of course, that he was different from his mamma, but, then, his mamma was a lady, and he had an idea that ladies were always different from gentlemen.

He looked at Mr.Hobbs wistfully.

"England is a long way off, isn't it?" he asked.

"It's across the Atlantic Ocean," Mr.Hobbs answered.

"That's the worst of it," said Cedric. "Perhaps I shall not see you again for a long time. I don't like to think of that, Mr.Hobbs.“.

"The best of friends must part," said Mr.Hobbs.

"Well," said Cedric, "we have been friends for a great many years, haven't we?“.

"Ever since you was born," Mr.Hobbs answered. "You was about six weeks old when you was first walked out on this street.“.

"Ah," remarked Cedric, with a sigh, "I never thought I should have to be an earl then!“.

"You think," said Mr.Hobbs, "there's no getting out of it?“.

"I'm afraid not," answered Cedric. "My mamma says that my papa would wish me to do it. But if I have to be an earl, there's one thing I can do: I can try to be a good one. I'm not going to be a tyrant. And if there is ever to be another war with America, I shall try to stop it.“.

His conversation with Mr.Hobbs was a long and serious one. Once having got over the first shock, Mr.Hobbs was not so rancorous as might have been expected; he endeavored to resign himself to the situation, and before the interview was at an end he had asked a great many questions. As Cedric could answer but few of them, he endeavored to answer them himself, and, being fairly launched on the subject of earls and marquises and lordly estates, explained many things in a way which would probably have astonished Mr.Havisham, could that gentleman have heard it.

But then there were many things which astonished Mr.Havisham. He had spent all his life in England, and was not accustomed to American people and American habits. He had been connected professionally with the family of the Earl of Dorincourt for nearly forty years, and he knew all about its grand estates and its great wealth and importance; and, in a cold, business-like way, he felt an interest in this little boy, who, in the future, was to be the master and owner of them all,--the future Earl of Dorincourt. He had known all about the old Earl's disappointment in his elder sons and all about his fierce rage at Captain Cedric's American marriage, and he knew how he still hated the gentle little widow and would not speak of her except with bitter and cruel words. He insisted that she was only a common American girl, who had entrapped his son into marrying her because she knew he was an earl's son. The old lawyer himself had more than half believed this was all true. He had seen a great many selfish, mercenary people in his life, and he had not a good opinion of Americans. When he had been driven into the cheap street, and his coupe had stopped before the cheap, small house, he had felt actually shocked. It seemed really quite dreadful to think that the future owner of Dorincourt Castle and Wyndham Towers and Chorlworth, and all the other stately splendors, should have been born and brought up in an insignificant house in a street with a sort of green-grocery at the corner. He wondered what kind of a child he would be, and what kind of a mother he had. He rather shrank from seeing them both. He had a sort of pride in the noble family whose legal affairs he had conducted so long, and it would have annoyed him very much to have found himself obliged to manage a woman who would seem to him a vulgar, money-loving person, with no respect for her dead husband's country and the dignity of his name. It was a very old name and a very splendid one, and Mr.Havisham had a great respect for it himself, though he was only a cold, keen, business-like old lawyer.

When Mary handed him into the small parlor, he looked around it critically. It was plainly furnished, but it had a home-like look; there were no cheap, common ornaments, and no cheap, gaudy pictures; the few adornments on the walls were in good taste and about the room were many pretty things which a woman's hand might have made.

"Not at all bad so far," he had said to himself; "but perhaps the Captain's taste predominated." But when Mrs. Errol came into the room, he began to think she herself might have had something to do with it. If he had not been quite a self-contained and stiff old gentleman, he would probably have started when he saw her. She looked, in the simple black dress, fitting closely to her slender figure, more like a young girl than the mother of a boy of seven. She had a pretty, sorrowful, young face, and a very tender, innocent look in her large brown eyes,--the sorrowful look that had never quite left her face since her husband had died. Cedric was used to seeing it there; the only times he had ever seen it fade out had been when he was playing with her or talking to her, and had said some old-fashioned thing, or used some long word he had picked up out of the newspapers or in his conversations with Mr.Hobbs. He was fond of using long words, and he was always pleased when they made her laugh, though he could not understand why they were laughable; they were quite serious matters with him. The lawyer's experience taught him to read people's characters very shrewdly, and as soon as he saw Cedric's mother he knew that the old Earl had made a great mistake in thinking her a vulgar, mercenary woman. Mr.Havisham had never been married, he had never even been in love, but he divined that this pretty young creature with the sweet voice and sad eyes had married Captain Errol only because she loved him with all her affectionate heart, and that she had never once thought it an advantage that he was an earl's son. And he saw he should have no trouble with her, and he began to feel that perhaps little Lord Fauntleroy might not be such a trial to his noble family, after all. The Captain had been a handsome fellow, and the young mother was very pretty, and perhaps the boy might be well enough to look at.

When he first told Mrs. Errol what he had come for, she turned very pale.

"Oh!" she said; "will he have to be taken away from me? We love each other so much! He is such a happiness to me! He is all I have. I have tried to be a good mother to him." And her sweet young voice trembled, and the tears rushed into her eyes. "You do not know what he has been to me!" she said.

The lawyer cleared his throat.

"I am obliged to tell you," he said, "that the Earl of Dorincourt is not--is not very friendly toward you. He is an old man, and his prejudices are very strong. He has always especially disliked America and Americans, and was very much enraged by his son's marriage. I am sorry to be the bearer of so unpleasant a communication, but he is very fixed in his determination not to see you. His plan is that Lord Fauntleroy shall be educated under his own supervision; that he shall live with him. The Earl is attached to Dorincourt Castle, and spends a great deal of time there. He is a victim to inflammatory gout, and is not fond of London. Lord Fauntleroy will, therefore, be likely to live chiefly at Dorincourt. The Earl offers you as a home Court Lodge, which is situated pleasantly, and is not very far from the castle. He also offers you a suitable income. Lord Fauntleroy will be permitted to visit you; the only stipulation is, that you shall not visit him or enter the park gates. You see you will not be really separated from your son, and I assure you, madam, the terms are not so harsh as--as they might have been. The advantage of such surroundings and education as Lord Fauntleroy will have, I am sure you must see, will be very great.“.

He felt a little uneasy lest she should begin to cry or make a scene, as he knew some women would have done. It embarrassed and annoyed him to see women cry.

But she did not. She went to the window and stood with her face turned away for a few moments, and he saw she was trying to steady herself.

"Captain Errol was very fond of Dorincourt," she said at last. "He loved England, and everything English. It was always a grief to him that he was parted from his home. He was proud of his home, and of his name. He would wish--I know he would wish that his son should know the beautiful old places, and be brought up in such a way as would be suitable to his future position.“.

Then she came back to the table and stood looking up at Mr.Havisham very gently.

"My husband would wish it," she said. "It will be best for my little boy. I know--I am sure the Earl would not be so unkind as to try to teach him not to love me; and I know--even if he tried--that my little boy is too much like his father to be harmed. He has a warm, faithful nature, and a true heart. He would love me even if he did not see me; and so long as we may see each other, I ought not to suffer very much.“.

"She thinks very little of herself," the lawyer thought. "She does not make any terms for herself.“.

"Madam," he said aloud, "I respect your consideration for your son. He will thank you for it when he is a man. I assure you Lord Fauntleroy will be most carefully guarded, and every effort will be used to insure his happiness. The Earl of Dorincourt will be as anxious for his comfort and well-being as you yourself could be.“.

"I hope," said the tender little mother, in a rather broken voice, "that his grandfather will love Ceddie. The little boy has a very affectionate nature; and he has always been loved.“.

Mr.Havisham cleared his throat again. He could not quite imagine the gouty, fiery-tempered old Earl loving any one very much; but he knew it would be to his interest to be kind, in his irritable way, to the child who was to be his heir. He knew, too, that if Ceddie were at all a credit to his name, his grandfather would be proud of him.

"Lord Fauntleroy will be comfortable, I am sure," he replied. "It was with a view to his happiness that the Earl desired that you should be near enough to him to see him frequently.“.

He did not think it would be discreet to repeat the exact words the Earl had used, which were in fact neither polite nor amiable.

Mr.Havisham preferred to express his noble patron's offer in smoother and more courteous language.

He had another slight shock when Mrs. Errol asked Mary to find her little boy and bring him to her, and Mary told her where he was.

"Sure I'll foind him aisy enough, ma'am," she said; "for it's wid Mr.Hobbs he is this minnit, settin' on his high shtool by the counther an' talkin' pollytics, most loikely, or enj'yin' hisself among the soap an' candles an' pertaties, as sinsible an' shwate as ye plase.“.

"Mr.Hobbs has known him all his life," Mrs. Errol said to the lawyer. "He is very kind to Ceddie, and there is a great friendship between them.“.

Remembering the glimpse he had caught of the store as he passed it, and having a recollection of the barrels of potatoes and apples and the various odds and ends, Mr.Havisham felt his doubts arise again. In England, gentlemen's sons did not make friends of grocerymen, and it seemed to him a rather singular proceeding. It would be very awkward if the child had bad manners and a disposition to like low company. One of the bitterest humiliations of the old Earl's life had been that his two elder sons had been fond of low company. Could it be, he thought, that this boy shared their bad qualities instead of his father's good qualities?

He was thinking uneasily about this as he talked to Mrs. Errol until the child came into the room. When the door opened, he actually hesitated a moment before looking at Cedric. It would, perhaps, have seemed very queer to a great many people who knew him, if they could have known the curious sensations that passed through Mr.Havisham when he looked down at the boy, who ran into his mother's arms. He experienced a revulsion of feeling which was quite exciting. He recognized in an instant that here was one of the finest and handsomest little fellows he had ever seen.

His beauty was something unusual. He had a strong, lithe, graceful little body and a manly little face; he held his childish head up, and carried himself with a brave air; he was so like his father that it was really startling; he had his father's golden hair and his mother's brown eyes, but there was nothing sorrowful or timid in them. They were innocently fearless eyes; he looked as if he had never feared or doubted anything in his life.

"He is the best-bred-looking and handsomest little fellow I ever saw," was what Mr.Havisham thought. What he said aloud was simply, "And so this is little Lord Fauntleroy.“.

And, after this, the more he saw of little Lord Fauntleroy, the more of a surprise he found him. He knew very little about children, though he had seen plenty of them in England--fine, handsome, rosy girls and boys, who were strictly taken care of by their tutors and governesses, and who were sometimes shy, and sometimes a trifle boisterous, but never very interesting to a ceremonious, rigid old lawyer. Perhaps his personal interest in little Lord Fauntleroy's fortunes made him notice Ceddie more than he had noticed other children; but, however that was, he certainly found himself noticing him a great deal.

Cedric did not know he was being observed, and he only behaved himself in his ordinary manner. He shook hands with Mr.Havisham in his friendly way when they were introduced to each other, and he answered all his questions with the unhesitating readiness with which he answered Mr.Hobbs. He was neither shy nor bold, and when Mr.Havisham was talking to his mother, the lawyer noticed that he listened to the conversation with as much interest as if he had been quite grown up.

"He seems to be a very mature little fellow," Mr.Havisham said to the mother.

"I think he is, in some things," she answered. "He has always been very quick to learn, and he has lived a great deal with grownup people. He has a funny little habit of using long words and expressions he has read in books, or has heard others use, but he is very fond of childish play. I think he is rather clever, but he is a very boyish little boy, sometimes.“.

The next time Mr.Havisham met him, he saw that this last was quite true. As his coupe turned the corner, he caught sight of a group of small boys, who were evidently much excited. Two of them were about to run a race, and one of them was his young lordship, and he was shouting and making as much noise as the noisiest of his companions. He stood side by side with another boy, one little red leg advanced a step.

"One, to make ready!" yelled the starter. "Two, to be steady. Three--and away!“.

Mr.Havisham found himself leaning out of the window of his coupe with a curious feeling of interest. He really never remembered having seen anything quite like the way in which his lordship's lordly little red legs flew up behind his knickerbockers and tore over the ground as he shot out in the race at the signal word. He shut his small hands and set his face against the wind; his bright hair streamed out behind.

"Hooray, Ced Errol!" all the boys shouted, dancing and shrieking with excitement. "Hooray, Billy Williams! Hooray, Ceddie! Hooray, Billy! Hooray! 'Ray! 'Ray!“.

"I really believe he is going to win," said Mr.Havisham. The way in which the red legs flew and flashed up and down, the shrieks of the boys, the wild efforts of Billy Williams, whose brown legs were not to be despised, as they followed closely in the rear of the red legs, made him feel some excitement. "I really--I really can't help hoping he will win!" he said, with an apologetic sort of cough. At that moment, the wildest yell of all went up from the dancing, hopping boys. With one last frantic leap the future Earl of Dorincourt had reached the lamp-post at the end of the block and touched it, just two seconds before Billy Williams flung himself at it, panting.

"Three cheers for Ceddie Errol!" yelled the little boys. "Hooray for Ceddie Errol!“.

Mr.Havisham drew his head in at the window of his coupe and leaned back with a dry smile.

"Bravo, Lord Fauntleroy!" he said.

As his carriage stopped before the door of Mrs. Errol's house, the victor and the vanquished were coming toward it, attended by the clamoring crew. Cedric walked by Billy Williams and was speaking to him. His elated little face was very red, his curls clung to his hot, moist forehead, his hands were in his pockets.

"You see," he was saying, evidently with the intention of making defeat easy for his unsuccessful rival, "I guess I won because my legs are a little longer than yours. I guess that was it. You see, I'm three days older than you, and that gives me a 'vantage. I'm three days older.“.

And this view of the case seemed to cheer Billy Williams so much that he began to smile on the world again, and felt able to swagger a little, almost as if he had won the race instead of losing it. Somehow, Ceddie Errol had a way of making people feel comfortable. Even in the first flush of his triumphs, he remembered that the person who was beaten might not feel so gay as he did, and might like to think that he MIGHT have been the winner under different circumstances.

That morning Mr.Havisham had quite a long conversation with the winner of the race--a conversation which made him smile his dry smile, and rub his chin with his bony hand several times.

Mrs. Errol had been called out of the parlor, and the lawyer and Cedric were left together. At first Mr.Havisham wondered what he should say to his small companion. He had an idea that perhaps it would be best to say several things which might prepare Cedric for meeting his grandfather, and, perhaps, for the great change that was to come to him. He could see that Cedric had not the least idea of the sort of thing he was to see when he reached England, or of the sort of home that waited for him there. He did not even know yet that his mother was not to live in the same house with him. They had thought it best to let him get over the first shock before telling him.

Mr.Havisham sat in an arm-chair on one side of the open window; on the other side was another still larger chair, and Cedric sat in that and looked at Mr.Havisham. He sat well back in the depths of his big seat, his curly head against the cushioned back, his legs crossed, and his hands thrust deep into his pockets, in a quite Mr.Hobbs-like way. He had been watching Mr.Havisham very steadily when his mamma had been in the room, and after she was gone he still looked at him in respectful thoughtfulness. There was a short silence after Mrs. Errol went out, and Cedric seemed to be studying Mr.Havisham, and Mr.Havisham was certainly studying Cedric. He could not make up his mind as to what an elderly gentleman should say to a little boy who won races, and wore short knickerbockers and red stockings on legs which were not long enough to hang over a big chair when he sat well back in it.

But Cedric relieved him by suddenly beginning the conversation himself.

"Do you know," he said, "I don't know what an earl is?“.
"Don't you?" said Mr.Havisham.

"No," replied Ceddie. "And I think when a boy is going to be one, he ought to know. Don't you?“.

"Well--yes," answered Mr.Havisham.

"Would you mind," said Ceddie respectfully--"would you mind 'splaining it to me?" (Sometimes when he used his long words he did not pronounce them quite correctly.) "What made him an earl?“.

"A king or queen, in the first place," said Mr.Havisham. "Generally, he is made an earl because he has done some service to his sovereign, or some great deed.“.

"Oh!" said Cedric; "that's like the President.“.

"Is it?" said Mr.Havisham. "Is that why your presidents are elected?“.

"Yes," answered Ceddie cheerfully. "When a man is very good and knows a great deal, he is elected president. They have torch-light processions and bands, and everybody makes speeches. I used to think I might perhaps be a president, but I never thought of being an earl. I didn't know about earls," he said, rather hastily, lest Mr.Havisham might feel it impolite in him not to have wished to be one,--"if I'd known about them, I dare say I should have thought I should like to be one.“.

"It is rather different from being a president," said Mr.Havisham.

"Is it?" asked Cedric. "How? Are there no torch-light processions?“.

Mr.Havisham crossed his own legs and put the tips of his fingers carefully together. He thought perhaps the time had come to explain matters rather more clearly.

"An earl is--is a very important person," he began.

"So is a president!" put in Ceddie. "The torch-light processions are five miles long, and they shoot up rockets, and the band plays! Mr.Hobbs took me to see them.“.

"An earl," Mr.Havisham went on, feeling rather uncertain of his ground, "is frequently of very ancient lineage----“.

"What's that?" asked Ceddie.

"Of very old family--extremely old.“.

"Ah!" said Cedric, thrusting his hands deeper into his pockets. "I suppose that is the way with the apple-woman near the park. I dare say she is of ancient lin-lenage. She is so old it would surprise you how she can stand up. She's a hundred, I should think, and yet she is out there when it rains, even. I'm sorry for her, and so are the other boys. Billy Williams once had nearly a dollar, and I asked him to buy five cents' worth of apples from her every day until he had spent it all. That made twenty days, and he grew tired of apples after a week; but then--it was quite fortunate--a gentleman gave me fifty cents and I bought apples from her instead. You feel sorry for any one that's so poor and has such ancient lin-lenage. She says hers has gone into her bones and the rain makes it worse.“.

Mr.Havisham felt rather at a loss as he looked at his companion's innocent, serious little face.

"I am afraid you did not quite understand me," he explained. "When I said 'ancient lineage' I did not mean old age; I meant that the name of such a family has been known in the world a long time; perhaps for hundreds of years persons bearing that name have been known and spoken of in the history of their country.“.

"Like George Washington," said Ceddie. "I've heard of him ever since I was born, and he was known about, long before that. Mr.Hobbs says he will never be forgotten. That's because of the Declaration of Independence, you know, and the Fourth of July. You see, he was a very brave man.“.

"The first Earl of Dorincourt," said Mr.Havisham solemnly, "was created an earl four hundred years ago.“.

"Well, well!" said Ceddie. "That was a long time ago! Did you tell Dearest that? It would int'rust her very much. We'll tell her when she comes in. She always likes to hear cur'us things. What else does an earl do besides being created?“.

"A great many of them have helped to govern England. Some of them have been brave men and have fought in great battles in the old days.“.

"I should like to do that myself," said Cedric. "My papa was a soldier, and he was a very brave man--as brave as George Washington. Perhaps that was because he would have been an earl if he hadn't died. I am glad earls are brave. That's a great 'vantage--to be a brave man. Once I used to be rather afraid of things--in the dark, you know; but when I thought about the soldiers in the Revolution and George Washington--it cured me.“.

"There is another advantage in being an earl, sometimes," said Mr.Havisham slowly, and he fixed his shrewd eyes on the little boy with a rather curious expression. "Some earls have a great deal of money.“.

He was curious because he wondered if his young friend knew what the power of money was.

"That's a good thing to have," said Ceddie innocently. "I wish I had a great deal of money.“.

"Do you?" said Mr.Havisham. "And why?“.

"Well," explained Cedric, "there are so many things a person can do with money. You see, there's the apple-woman. If I were very rich I should buy her a little tent to put her stall in, and a little stove, and then I should give her a dollar every morning it rained, so that she could afford to stay at home. And then--oh! I'd give her a shawl. And, you see, her bones wouldn't feel so badly. Her bones are not like our bones; they hurt her when she moves. It's very painful when your bones hurt you. If I were rich enough to do all those things for her, I guess her bones would be all right.“.

"Ahem!" said Mr.Havisham. "And what else would you do if you were rich?“.

"Oh! I'd do a great many things. Of course I should buy Dearest all sorts of beautiful things, needle-books and fans and gold thimbles and rings, and an encyclopedia, and a carriage, so that she needn't have to wait for the street-cars. If she liked pink silk dresses, I should buy her some, but she likes black best. But I'd, take her to the big stores, and tell her to look 'round and choose for herself. And then Dick----“.

"Who is Dick?" asked Mr.Havisham.

"Dick is a boot-black," said his young; lordship, quite warming up in his interest in plans so exciting. "He is one of the nicest boot-blacks you ever knew. He stands at the corner of a street down-town. I've known him for years. Once when I was very little, I was walking out with Dearest, and she bought me a beautiful ball that bounced, and I was carrying it and it bounced into the middle of the street where the carriages and horses were, and I was so disappointed, I began to cry--I was very little. I had kilts on. And Dick was blacking a man's shoes, and he said 'Hello!' and he ran in between the horses and caught the ball for me and wiped it off with his coat and gave it to me and said, 'It's all right, young un.' So Dearest admired him very much, and so did I, and ever since then, when we go down-town, we talk to him. He says 'Hello!' and I say 'Hello!' and then we talk a little, and he tells me how trade is. It's been bad lately.“.

"And what would you like to do for him?" inquired the lawyer, rubbing his chin and smiling a queer smile.

"Well," said Lord Fauntleroy, settling himself in his chair with a business air, "I'd buy Jake out.“.

"And who is Jake?" Mr.Havisham asked.

"He's Dick's partner, and he is the worst partner a fellow could have! Dick says so. He isn't a credit to the business, and he isn't square. He cheats, and that makes Dick mad. It would make you mad, you know, if you were blacking boots as hard as you could, and being square all the time, and your partner wasn't square at all. People like Dick, but they don't like Jake, and so sometimes they don't come twice. So if I were rich, I'd buy Jake out and get Dick a 'boss' sign--he says a 'boss' sign goes a long way; and I'd get him some new clothes and new brushes, and start him out fair. He says all he wants is to start out fair.“.

There could have been nothing more confiding and innocent than the way in which his small lordship told his little story, quoting his friend Dick's bits of slang in the most candid good faith. He seemed to feel not a shade of a doubt that his elderly companion would be just as interested as he was himself. And in truth Mr.Havisham was beginning to be greatly interested; but perhaps not quite so much in Dick and the apple-woman as in this kind little lordling, whose curly head was so busy, under its yellow thatch, with good-natured plans for his friends, and who seemed somehow to have forgotten himself altogether.

"Is there anything----" he began. "What would you get for yourself, if you were rich?“.

"Lots of things!" answered Lord Fauntleroy briskly; "but first I'd give Mary some money for Bridget--that's her sister, with twelve children, and a husband out of work. She comes here and cries, and Dearest gives her things in a basket, and then she cries again, and says: 'Blessin's be on yez, for a beautiful lady.' And I think Mr.Hobbs would like a gold watch and chain to remember me by, and a meerschaum pipe. And then I'd like to get up a company.“.

"A company!" exclaimed Mr.Havisham.

"Like a Republican rally," explained Cedric, becoming quite excited. "I'd have torches and uniforms and things for all the boys and myself, too. And we'd march, you know, and drill. That's what I should like for myself, if I were rich.“.

The door opened and Mrs. Errol came in.

"I am sorry to have been obliged to leave you so long," she said to Mr.Havisham; "but a poor woman, who is in great trouble, came to see me.“.

"This young gentleman," said Mr.Havisham, "has been telling me about some of his friends, and what he would do for them if he were rich.“.

"Bridget is one of his friends," said Mrs. Errol; "and it is Bridget to whom I have been talking in the kitchen. She is in great trouble now because her husband has rheumatic fever.“.

Cedric slipped down out of his big chair.

"I think I'll go and see her," he said, "and ask her how he is. He's a nice man when he is well. I'm obliged to him because he once made me a sword out of wood. He's a very talented man.“.

He ran out of the room, and Mr.Havisham rose from his chair. He seemed to have something in his mind which he wished to speak of.

He hesitated a moment, and then said, looking down at Mrs. Errol:

"Before I left Dorincourt Castle, I had an interview with the Earl, in which he gave me some instructions. He is desirous that his grandson should look forward with some pleasure to his future life in England, and also to his acquaintance with himself. He said that I must let his lordship know that the change in his life would bring him money and the pleasures children enjoy; if he expressed any wishes, I was to gratify them, and to tell him that his grand-father had given him what he wished. I am aware that the Earl did not expect anything quite like this; but if it would give Lord Fauntleroy pleasure to assist this poor woman, I should feel that the Earl would be displeased if he were not gratified.“.

For the second time, he did not repeat the Earl's exact words. His lordship had, indeed, said:

"Make the lad understand that I can give him anything he wants. Let him know what it is to be the grandson of the Earl of Dorincourt. Buy him everything he takes a fancy to; let him have money in his pockets, and tell him his grandfather put it there.“.

His motives were far from being good, and if he had been dealing with a nature less affectionate and warm-hearted than little Lord Fauntleroy's, great harm might have been done. And Cedric's mother was too gentle to suspect any harm. She thought that perhaps this meant that a lonely, unhappy old man, whose children were dead, wished to be kind to her little boy, and win his love and confidence. And it pleased her very much to think that Ceddie would be able to help Bridget. It made her happier to know that the very first result of the strange fortune which had befallen her little boy was that he could do kind things for those who needed kindness. Quite a warm color bloomed on her pretty young face.

"Oh!" she said, "that was very kind of the Earl; Cedric will be so glad! He has always been fond of Bridget and Michael. They are quite deserving. I have often wished I had been able to help them more. Michael is a hard-working man when he is well, but he has been ill a long time and needs expensive medicines and warm clothing and nourishing food. He and Bridget will not be wasteful of what is given them.“.

Mr.Havisham put his thin hand in his breast pocket and drew forth a large pocket-book. There was a queer look in his keen face. The truth was, he was wondering what the Earl of Dorincourt would say when he was told what was the first wish of his grandson that had been granted. He wondered what the cross, worldly, selfish old nobleman would think of it.

"I do not know that you have realized," he said, "that the Earl of Dorincourt is an exceedingly rich man. He can afford to gratify any caprice. I think it would please him to know that Lord Fauntleroy had been indulged in any fancy. If you will call him back and allow me, I shall give him five pounds for these people.“.

"That would be twenty-five dollars!" exclaimed Mrs. Errol. "It will seem like wealth to them. I can scarcely believe that it is true.“.

"It is quite true," said Mr.Havisham, with his dry smile. "A great change has taken place in your son's life, a great deal of power will lie in his hands.“.

"Oh!" cried his mother. "And he is such a little boy--a very little boy. How can I teach him to use it well? It makes me half afraid. My pretty little Ceddie!“.

The lawyer slightly cleared his throat. It touched his worldly, hard old heart to see the tender, timid look in her brown eyes.

"I think, madam," he said, "that if I may judge from my interview with Lord Fauntleroy this morning, the next Earl of Dorincourt will think for others as well as for his noble self. He is only a child yet, but I think he may be trusted.“.

Then his mother went for Cedric and brought him back into the parlor. Mr.Havisham heard him talking before he entered the room.

"It's infam-natory rheumatism," he was saying, "and that's a kind of rheumatism that's dreadful. And he thinks about the rent not being paid, and Bridget says that makes the inf'ammation worse. And Pat could get a place in a store if he had some clothes.“.

His little face looked quite anxious when he came in. He was very sorry for Bridget.

"Dearest said you wanted me," he said to Mr.Havisham. "I've been talking to Bridget.“.

Mr.Havisham looked down at him a moment. He felt a little awkward and undecided. As Cedric's mother had said, he was a very little boy.

"The Earl of Dorincourt----" he began, and then he glanced involuntarily at Mrs. Errol.

Little Lord Fauntleroy's mother suddenly kneeled down by him and put both her tender arms around his childish body.

"Ceddie," she said, "the Earl is your grandpapa, your own papa's father. He is very, very kind, and he loves you and wishes you to love him, because the sons who were his little boys are dead. He wishes you to be happy and to make other people happy. He is very rich, and he wishes you to have everything you would like to have. He told Mr.Havisham so, and gave him a great deal of money for you. You can give some to Bridget now; enough to pay her rent and buy Michael everything. Isn't that fine, Ceddie? Isn't he good?" And she kissed the child on his round cheek, where the bright color suddenly flashed up in his excited amazement.

He looked from his mother to Mr.Havisham.

"Can I have it now?" he cried. "Can I give it to her this minute? She's just going.“.

Mr.Havisham handed him the money. It was in fresh, clean greenbacks and made a neat roll.

Ceddie flew out of the room with it.

"Bridget!" they heard him shout, as he tore into the kitchen. "Bridget, wait a minute! Here's some money. It's for you, and you can pay the rent. My grandpapa gave it to me. It's for you and Michael!“.

"Oh, Master Ceddie!" cried Bridget, in an awe-stricken voice. "It's twinty-foive dollars is here. Where be's the misthress?“.

"I think I shall have to go and explain it to her," Mrs. Errol said.

So she, too, went out of the room and Mr.Havisham was left alone for a while. He went to the window and stood looking out into the street reflectively. He was thinking of the old Earl of Dorincourt, sitting in his great, splendid, gloomy library at the castle, gouty and lonely, surrounded by grandeur and luxury, but not really loved by any one, because in all his long life he had never really loved any one but himself; he had been selfish and self-indulgent and arrogant and passionate; he had cared so much for the Earl of Dorincourt and his pleasures that there had been no time for him to think of other people; all his wealth and power, all the benefits from his noble name and high rank, had seemed to him to be things only to be used to amuse and give pleasure to the Earl of Dorincourt; and now that he was an old man, all this excitement and self-indulgence had only brought him ill health and irritability and a dislike of the world, which certainly disliked him. In spite of all his splendor, there was never a more unpopular old nobleman than the Earl of Dorincourt, and there could scarcely have been a more lonely one. He could fill his castle with guests if he chose. He could give great dinners and splendid hunting parties; but he knew that in secret the people who would accept his invitations were afraid of his frowning old face and sarcastic, biting speeches. He had a cruel tongue and a bitter nature, and he took pleasure in sneering at people and making them feel uncomfortable, when he had the power to do so, because they were sensitive or proud or timid.

Mr.Havisham knew his hard, fierce ways by heart, and he was thinking of him as he looked out of the window into the narrow, quiet street. And there rose in his mind, in sharp contrast, the picture of the cheery, handsome little fellow sitting in the big chair and telling his story of his friends, Dick and the apple-woman, in his generous, innocent, honest way. And he thought of the immense income, the beautiful, majestic estates, the wealth, and power for good or evil, which in the course of time would lie in the small, chubby hands little Lord Fauntleroy thrust so deep into his pockets.

"It will make a great difference," he said to himself. "It will make a great difference.“.

Cedric and his mother came back soon after. Cedric was in high spirits. He sat down in his own chair, between his mother and the lawyer, and fell into one of his quaint attitudes, with his hands on his knees. He was glowing with enjoyment of Bridget's relief and rapture.

"She cried!" he said. "She said she was crying for joy! I never saw any one cry for joy before. My grandpapa must be a very good man. I didn't know he was so good a man. It's more--more agreeabler to be an earl than I thought it was. I'm almost glad--I'm almost QUITE glad I'm going to be one.“