is, that he will spend more money upon experiments that he can afford.
'Experimental farming is an expensive amusement,' said Sir Peregrine, with a very serious shake of his head.
'I am afraid it is; and now he has gone to Liverpool to buyguano,' said the widow, feeling some little shame in coming to so inconsiderable a conclusion after her somewhat stately prologue.
To buy guano! Why could he not get his guano from Walker, as my man Symonds does?
'He says it is not good. He analyzed it, and'
'Fiddlestick! Why didn't he order it in London, if he didn't like Walker's. Gone to Liverpool for guano! I'll tell you what it is, Lady Mason; if he intends to farm his land in that way, he should have a very considerable capital at his back. It will be a long time before he sees his money again.' Sir Peregrine had been farming all his life, and had his own ideas on the subject. He knew very well that no gentleman, let him set to work as he might with his own land, could do as well with it as a farmer who must make a living out of his farming besides paying the rent;—who must do that or else have no living; and he knew also that such operations as those which his young friend was now about to attempt was an amusement fitted only for the rich. It may be also that he was a little old fashioned, and therefore prejudiced against new combinations between agriculture and chemistry. He must put a stop to that kind of work very soon, Lady Mason; he must indeed; or he will bring himself to ruin—and you with him.'
Lady Mason's face became very grave and serious. But what can I say to him, Sir Peregrine? In such a matter as that I am afraid that he would not mind me. If you would not object to speaking to him?
Sir Peregrine was graciously pleased to say that he would not object. It was a disagreeable task, he said, that of giving advice to a young man who was bound by no tie either to take it or even to receive it with respect.
'You will not find him at all disrespectful; I think I can promise that,' said the frightened mother: and that matter was ended by a promise on the part of the baronet to take the case in hand, and to see Lucius immediately on his return from Liverpool. 'He had better come and dine at The Cleeve,' said Sir Peregrine, 'and we will have it out after dinner.' All of which made Lady Mason very grateful.
