The Loneliness of Mr. Hobbs

Following the departure of his young companion, Cedric Errol, who left to assume the title of Lord Fauntleroy, Mr. Hobbs finds himself in a state of profound melancholy. The grocery store, once a vibrant hub of shared arithmetic, political discussion, and companionship, becomes a place of silence. Mr. Hobbs describes his state as feeling "very dull," often staring at the wall rather than engaging with his newspaper. His nightly ritual—walking to the house where Cedric once lived, now marked with a "House for Rent" sign—serves as a poignant reminder of his isolation and the void left by his "young friend."

The Emergence of an Unlikely Partnership

Driven by a shared connection to Cedric, Mr. Hobbs seeks out Dick Tipton, the local shoeshine boy. Their meeting is initiated by a mutual curiosity regarding the boy who became an aristocrat. Upon learning that Dick also knows Cedric, Mr. Hobbs reveals his "splendid gold watch" with the inscription, "When you see this, remember me," solidifying their bond. This partnership evolves into a significant friendship; Dick, a street kid with aspirations to own a "real business," finds a mentor in Mr. Hobbs. They spend their time reading newspaper articles about England and obsessing over the letters they receive from Cedric, treating every word as a precious relic of their absent friend.

Dick’s Troubled Background

As their friendship deepens, Dick opens up about his difficult past. He reveals that his literacy skills were acquired during a brief period living with his brother, Ben. His life took a dark turn after Ben married a woman named Minna, whom Dick describes as "mad all the time." Following a series of family conflicts and Ben’s eventual departure to a cattle ranch in California, Dick was left to fend for himself on the streets. He shares rumors that Minna and her child had "gone across the ocean to England," a detail that hangs in the air, hinting at future complications.

The Shocking Revelation from Dorincourt Castle

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a letter arrives from Cedric at "Dorm Court Castle." In a "great hurry," Cedric informs his friends that his life has undergone a startling reversal. He reveals, "It is all a mistake, and I am not a lord, and I shall not have to be an earl." Cedric explains that a lady claiming to be the widow of his deceased uncle, Beavis, has arrived with a son who is the rightful heir to the title.

Cedric’s description of the scene at the castle—where his grandfather appeared "angry" and the lady "talked loudly"—creates a sense of immediate tension. Despite Cedric’s characteristic innocence and concern for his pony, the adults are quick to recognize the gravity of the situation. Mr. Hobbs is deeply "disturbed" by the news, exclaiming, "They're trying to rob him." The summary of this chapter concludes on a note of high anxiety, as Mr. Hobbs returns to the old, empty house, grappling with the news that threatens to dismantle the new life of his young friend.