The picnic was not a success. The day was perfect, Homer's catering of the best, and the wine excellent; but, hovering over all, was the melancholy spirit of Mr. Robert Carlaw, accompanied, strangely enough, in Comethup's mind at least, by another spirit--that of a bright-faced, handsome fellow, wandering alone in a big city and fighting hard against desperate odds. Certainly Mr. Carlaw did his best to be agreeable; showed much alacrity in opening bottles and spreading out the contents of the basket; was eager in his attentions to Comethup, whom he persistently styled "my lucky nephew." Indeed, it became evident that he was anxious to ingratiate himself in Comethup's good graces; he pressed wine upon him, as though the feast had been of his giving; sat beside him and flattered him with talk of the boy's school career--of which he professed to have heard minute details; and generally endeavoured to be very lively and agreeable.
After the meal was ended, and they had all regained something of their lost spirits, 'Linda laughingly announced that she was going to search for fairies in the wood, and ran off among the trees; Comethup sprang up and went after her. But even here Robert Carlaw was not to be shaken off; he cried out something about his youth returning, and plunged after them. The fairies were forgotten, and Comethup strolled sulkily beside her, with Mr. Robert Carlaw close at his elbow, swinging his stick jauntily and humming an air.
"A word with you, my dear nephew," he said, linking his arm in that of the boy and bending his head toward him. "Our young friend here does not matter, and is probably"--he smiled and nodded at her--"sympathetic. I have always had a kindly feeling for you, my dear boy. In the case of another man, who carried his heart less openly on his sleeve than I do, that feeling might have been lessened by the fact that an inscrutable Providence thrust you into my boy's place. But that, sir, does not influence me; my heart rings true to those of my own blood, those I would call my friends, without any consideration of mere earthly gain to influence me. In a word, boy"--this with charming frankness--"I like you; fortune has not spoiled you, and I feel that there is much in our natures--simplicity and guilelessness--that is akin. I want you to look upon me as your friend; I do not want us to lose sight of each other. The world is a wicked place, full, I am told, of schemers and double dealers. You may need protection; count on me. Remember that my poor house, such as it is, is open to you. I may be coming to London--probably in search of my truant--and we may meet. There are those in London who know Bob Carlaw--good fellows all, mind you, and gentlemen--and I promise you sha'n't have a dull moment. Oh, I assure you Bob is well known in town--among the best."
