before the end of February received three or four letters from
Neefit, all of them dictated by Waddle, in which his conduct was
painted not in the most flattering colours. Neefit's money had
been repaid, but Neefit would not understand that the young heir's
obligations to him had by any means been acquitted by that very
ordinary process. He had risked his money when payment was very
doubtful, and now he intended to have something beyond cash in return
for all that he had done. "There are debts of honour which a real
gentleman feels himself more bound to pay than any bills," Waddle had
written. And to such dogmatic teachings as these Neefit would always
add something out of his own head. "There ain't nobody who shan't
know all about it, unless you're on the square again." Ralph had
written one reply since he had been at Newton, in which he explained
at some length that it was impossible that he should renew his
addresses to a young lady who had twice rejected them, and who had
assured him that she did not love him. He professed the greatest
respect for Miss Neefit, a respect which had, if possible, been
heightened by her behaviour in this matter,--but it must now be
understood that the whole affair was at an end. Neefit would not
understand this, but Neefit's further letters, which had not been
unfrequent, were left unanswered. Ralph had now told the whole
story to his brother, and had written his one reply from Newton in
conformity with his brother's advice. After that they both thought
that no further rejoinder could be of any service.

The parsonage was for the time deserted, Gregory having for the
present consented to share his brother's house. In spite of that
little thorn in the flesh which Neefit was, Ralph was able to enjoy
his life very thoroughly. He went on with all the improvements about
the place which the Squire had commenced, and was active in making
acquaintance with every one who lived upon his land. He was not
without good instincts, and understood thoroughly that respectability
had many more attractions than a character for evil living. He was,
too, easily amenable to influence from those around him; and under
Gregory's auspices, was constant at his parish church. He told
himself at once that he had many duties to perform, and he attempted
to perform them. He did not ask Lieutenant Cox or Captain Fooks to
the Priory, and quite prepared himself for the character of Henry
V. in miniature, as he walked a