On Forsyte 'Change

In the year 1821 'Superior Dosset' Forsyte came to Town--if not
precisely on a milk-white pony. According to the testimony of Aunt
Ann, noted for precision, to young Jolyon on holiday from Eton, the
migration from Bosport was in fact tribal and effected in two post-
shays and the Highflyer coach.

"It was after our dear Mother's death, and our father--that is your
grandfather, Jo dear,--was very taciturn on the journey; he was
never a man who showed his feelings. I had your Aunt Susan in
arms, and your Uncle Timothy--two years old, such an interesting
child, in the first post-shay with your grandfather. And your dear
father, he was so dependable and very like you--he must have been
fifteen then, just your age--he had your Aunts Juley and Hester
with him and your Uncle Nicholas, who was four, in the second post-
shay; and your Uncles James and Swithin and Roger were on the
coach. I am afraid Swithin was very naughty with his pea-shooter
on the journey. We started early in the morning, and we all went
for the night to your Great-Uncle Edgar's at Primrose Hill. I
remember he still wore knee-breeches and a very large bunch of
seals. Of course, WE were all in black. Your grandfather wore
black for two years after our dear mother's death; he felt it very
much, though he never said anything."

"What was he like, Auntie?"

"Strongly-built, my dear, with a high colour. In those days they
drank a great deal of wine, especially Madeira."

"But what was he?"

"He began as a mason, dear."

"A Freemason?"

"Not at first. A stonemason. You see, HIS father was a farmer,
and he apprenticed your grandfather to a stonemason, so that he
should learn all about building. I think it was a very wise
decision, because in those days there were such opportunities for
builders, so your grandfather soon made his way. He was becoming
quite a warm man when we came to London." And Aunt Ann's shrewd
eyes appraised her nephew.

He had risen, and was standing, slender in his first tailcoat,
against the mantelpiece, looking downward at his boots. Elegant
the dear boy looked, but a little embarrassed, as if his nerves had
received a shock. Of course, he was at Eton among the nobility.
And she said with decision:

"We should never be ashamed of our origin, dear Jo. The Forsytes
are very good country stock, and have always been men of their
word, and that is the great thing. And our dear mother was a lady
in every respect. Her name was Pierce--a Devonshire family--and
she was the daughter of a solicitor at Bosport who was very
respected. He died bankrupt because his partner ran away with some
funds, and all his fortune went to make up the loss. She had a
sweet face and was most particular how we spoke and behaved. This
is her miniature."

Young Jolyon moved over and saw an oval face with fair hair parted
in the middle and drawn in curves across the forehead, dark grey
eyes looking up at him from rather deep beneath the brows, a chin
with a delicate point, and shoulders shrouded in lace.