Rafael was now to enter upon a long course of study, for which, by
his earlier education, his mother had prepared him, and for which,
by painful privations, she had saved up sufficient money.
The property was to the last degree impoverished, and burdened
with mortgages, and the timber only fit for fuel.
Their neighbour the Dean, a clear-headed and practical man, took
upon himself the management of affairs; as money was needed the
work of devastation must begin at once. The mother and son did not
wish to witness it.
They came to England like two fugitives who, after many and great
trials, for affection's sake seek a new home and a new country.
Rafael was then twelve years old.
They were inseparable, and in the shiftless life that they led in
their new surroundings they became, if possible, more closely
attached to each other.
Yet not long afterwards they had their first disagreement.
He had gone to school, had begun to learn the language and to make
friends, and had developed a great desire to show off.
He was very tall and slender and was anxious to be athletic. He
took an active part in the play-ground, but here he achieved no
great success.
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