t he did feel that all that had occurred
at Newton had made a great difference. Ralph would now live at the
Priory, and there would be enough even for his extravagance. Should
the Squire of Newton ask him for his girl's hand with that girl's
consent, he thought that he could hardly refuse it. How could he ask
Clarissa to abandon so much seeming happiness because the man had
failed to keep out of debt upon a small income? He could not do so.
And then it came to pass that he was prepared to admit Ralph as a
suitor to his child should Ralph renew his request to that effect.
They had all loved the lad as a boy, and the property was wholly
unencumbered. Of course he said nothing to Clarissa; but should Ralph
come to him there could be but one answer. Such had been the state of
his mind before Mr. Neefit's visit.

But the breeches-maker's tale had altered the aspect of things very
greatly. Under no circumstances could Sir Thomas recommend the young
Squire to marry the daughter of the man who had been with him; but if
Ralph Newton had really engaged himself to this girl, and had done
so with the purport of borrowing money from the father, that might
be a reason why, notwithstanding the splendour of his prospects, he
should not be admitted to further intimacy at the villa. To borrow
money from one's tradesman was, in the eyes of Sir Thomas, about
as inexcusable an offence as a young man could commit. He was too
much disturbed in mind to go home on the following day, but on the
Thursday he returned to the villa. The following Sunday would be
Christmas Day.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

FOR TWO REASONS.

The young Squire, as soon as Neefit had left him in his own
sitting-room at the Moonbeam, sat himself down and began to think
over his affairs seriously. One thing was certain to him;--nothing on
earth should induce him to offer his hand again to Polly Neefit. He
had had a most miraculous escape, and assuredly would run no further
risk in that direction. But though he had escaped, he could perceive
that there was considerable trouble before him,--considerable trouble
and perhaps some disgrace. It certainly could not be proved against
him that he had broken any promise, as there had been no engagement;
but it could be made public that he had twice offered himself to
Polly, and could also be made public that he had borrowed the
breeches-maker's money. He kept himself alone on that evening; and
though he hunted on the following d