"I think he is a fool to trouble his head whether these animals live or die."

"Oh, that is my folly; not his. At bottom, he cares no more than you do."

"Then I retract my observation."

"As to its being folly, or as to Little being the fool?"

"Thank you. Well, but to be serious, this young man is very anxious to be a master, instead of a man. What do you say? Will you help his ambition, and my sacred hobby?"

"What, plunge you deeper in folly, and him in trade? Not I. I don't approve folly, I hate trade. But I tell you what I'll do. If he and his mother can see my conduct in its proper light, and say so, they can come to Raby, and he can turn gentleman, take the name of Raby, as he has got the face, and be my heir."

"Then you had better write it, and I'll take it to him."

"Certainly." He sat down and wrote as follows: