"Was it? Well, perhaps it was," said Mrs Lycett-Landon, with a little confusion. "I spoke without thought. One should not be too hard on young men. They can't all be made in the same mould. Your father was always so exact, never missing the boat once--and he cannot bear people who miss the boat; so, I hope, perhaps it is not so bad as he thinks." "It would never do," said Milly, still with that air of solemnity, "to have Horace thrown in the way of any one who is not quite good and right." At this her mother laughed, and said, "I am afraid he must be put out of the world then, Milly. I hope he has principles of his own." Notwithstanding this sudden levity, Mrs Lycett-Landon fully agreed--later in the day, when the portmanteau had gone to the Lime Street Station, and she and her daughter had followed it and seen papa off by the train--that it was very important Horace should make his beginning in business under a prudent and careful guide; and that if there was any irregularity in young Fareham, it was very good of papa to take so much pains to put it right. Horace, who went home with them, was but partially let into the secret, lest, perhaps, he might be less careful than they were, and let some hint drop in the office as to the object of his father's journey. The ladies questioned him covertly, as ladies have a way of doing. What did the office think of young Mr Fareham in London? Was he liked? Was he thought to be a good man of business? What did Mr Pearce say, who was the head clerk and a great authority? "I say," said Horace, "why do you ask so many questions about Dick Fareham? Does he want to marry Milly? Well, it looks like it, for you never took such notice of him before." "To marry me!" said Milly, in a blaze of indignation. "I hope he is not quite so idiotic as that." "He is not idiotic at all; he is a very nice fellow. You will be very well off if you get any one half as good." "I think," said the mother, "that papa and I will make all the necessary investigations when it comes to marrying Milly. Now make haste, children, or we shall miss the first boat."