But it was, no doubt, somewhat hard upon the captain.
Certainly that perennial boy found a companion in his son; they
were both active and eager, both willing to be amused, both young,
if not in years, then in character. They went out together on
excursions and sketched old castles, sitting side by side; they had
an angry rivalry in walking, doubtless equally sincere upon both
sides; and indeed we may say that Fleeming was exceptionally
favoured, and that no boy had ever a companion more innocent,
engaging, gay, and airy. But although in this case it would be
easy to exaggerate its import, yet, in the Jenkin family also, the
tragedy of the generations was proceeding, and the child was
growing out of his father's knowledge. His artistic aptitude was
of a different order. Already he had his quick sight of many sides
of life; he already overflowed with distinctions and
generalisations, contrasting the dramatic art and national
character of England, Germany, Italy, and France.
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