What do you
recommend?'
Mr. Ferrars actually made Mr. Kendal promise to set out for
Traversham with him next morning, thirty miles by the railway, to
inspect Mr. Downton and his pupils.
Albinia had just sense enough not to object, though the discovery of
the Indian plans was such a blow to her that she could not be
consoled by all her husband's representations of the advantages
Gilbert would derive there, and of his belief that the Kendal
constitution always derived strength from a hot climate, and that to
himself going to India seemed going home. She took refuge in the
hope that between the two Indian stools Gilbert might fall upon one
of the professions which she thought alone worthy of man's attention,
the clerical or the military.
Under Maurice's escort, Mr. Kendal greatly enjoyed his expedition;
liked Traversham, was satisfied with the looks of the pupils, and
very much pleased with the tutor, whom he even begged to come to
Bayford for a conference with Mrs. Kendal, and this was received by
her as no small kindness. She was delighted with Mr. Downton, and
felt as if Gilbert could be safely trusted in his charge; nor was
Gilbert himself reluctant. He was glad to escape from his tempter,
and to begin a new life, and though he hung about Mrs. Kendal, and
implored her to write often, and always tell him about his little
brother--nay, though he cried like a child at the last, yet still he
was happy and satisfied to go, and to break the painful fetters which
had held him so long.
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