wo-and-a-half per cent. for your money," said the heir, who was
beginning to consider himself learned in such matters, and could talk
of land as a very serious thing in the way of a possession.

"What else am I to do?" said the other. "Two-and-a-half per cent.
with an occupation is better than five per cent. with none. I should
make out the remainder, too, by farming the land myself. There is
nothing else in the world that I could do."

As for remaining twelve months at Newton, that was of course out of
the question. Nevertheless, when December came he was still living in
the house, and had consented to remain there till Christmas should
have passed. He had already heard of a farm in Norfolk. "The worst
county for hunting in England," the heir had said. "Then I must try
and live without hunting," said Ralph who was not the heir. During
all this time not a horse was sent to the meet from the Newton
stables. The owner of Newton was contented to see the animals
exercised in the park, and to amuse himself by schooling them over
hurdles, and by high jumping at the bar.

During the past month the young Squire had received various letters
from Sir Thomas Underwood, and the other Ralph had received one. With
Sir Thomas's caution, advice, and explanations to his former ward,
the story has no immediate concern; but his letter to him who was to
have been Mary Bonner's suitor may concern us more nearly. It was
very short, and the reader shall have it entire.

Popham Villa, 10th November, 186--.

MY DEAR MR. NEWTON,--

I have delayed answering your letter for a day or two
in order that it may not disturb you till the last
sad ceremony be over. I do not presume to offer you
consolation in your great sorrow. Such tenders should only
be made by the nearest and the dearest. Perhaps you will
permit me to say that what little I have seen of you and
what further I have heard of you assure to you my most
perfect sympathy.

On that other matter which gave occasion for your two
letters to me I shall best perhaps discharge my duty by
telling you that I showed them both to my niece; and that
she feels, as do I, that they are both honourable to you,
and of a nature to confer honour upon her. The change
in your position, which I acknowledge to be most severe,
undoubtedly releases you, as it would have released
her,--had she been bound and chose to accept such release.

Wheneve