"
"I shall do very well, Ralph. I have plenty of friends here."
"Where does Mr. Penfold live, mother?"
"Down in Dorsetshire. It is a very nice place, and only about a mile
from the sea. But, as I say, I do not expect you will find it lively;
but that you mustn't mind. It will be a very good thing for you, and
will be well worth your while putting up with a little dullness for a
time. Mr. Penfold is one of the kindest of men, but I do not think you
will like his sisters much. Certainly you will not unless they are a
good deal changed from what they were as I remember them. Still you
must try to get on with them as well as you can, and I dare say you
will find some pleasant companions in the neighborhood. I am sure you
will do your best when I tell you that I am most anxious for many
reasons that Mr. Penfold should like you."
"Of course I will do my best, mother, though I must say that the
lookout is not, according to your description, a very cheerful one,
and I would a deal rather stop at home with you."
"We can't always do exactly as we like, Ralph; though that is a lesson
you have as yet to learn. What day did you say your holidays began?"
"Next Monday week, mother. But I do hope I may have two or three days'
sailing with Joe Knight the fisherman before I go."
"Mr. Penfold says he will be glad to see you as soon as your holidays
begin, Ralph; still I suppose a day or two will make no difference, so
we will settle that you shall go on Friday.
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