into other walks of life, and had lived prosperously, leaving
behind him money for his widow, and money also for his children; and
Tappitt, when he found that there was a young man with a claim to
a partnership in his business, had been not only much annoyed, but
surprised also. He had been, as we have seen, persuaded to hold out
the right hand of friendship, and the left hand of the partnership to
the young man. He had thought that he might manage a young man from
London who knew nothing of beer; and his wife had thought that the
young man might probably like to take a wife as well as an income
out of the concern; but, as we have seen, they had both been wrong
in their hopes. Luke chose to manage the brewery instead of being
managed; and had foolishly fallen in love with Rachel Ray instead of
taking Augusta Tappitt to himself as he should have done.

There was much certainly of harshness and cruelty in that idea of
an opposition brewery in Baslehurst to be established in enmity to
Bungall and Tappitt, and to be so established with Bungall's money,
and by Bungall's heir. But Luke, as he walked back to Baslehurst,
thinking now of his beer and now of his love, declared to himself
that he wanted only his own. Let Tappitt deal justly with him in that
matter of the partnership, and he would deal even generously with
Tappitt. The concern gave an income of some fifteen hundred pounds,
out of which Mrs. Bungall, as taking no share of the responsibility
or work, had been allowed to have a third. He was informed by his
lawyer that he was entitled to claim one-half of the whole concern.
If Tappitt would give in his adhesion to that villa arrangement, he
should still have his thousand a year for life, and Mrs. Tappitt
afterwards should have due provision, and the girls should have all
that could fairly be claimed for them. Or, if the villa scheme could
not be carried out quite at present, he, Rowan, would do two shares
of the work, and allow Tappitt to take two shares of the pay; but
then, in that case, he must be allowed scope for his improvements.
Good beer should be brewed for the people of Baslehurst, and the
eyes of Devonshire should be opened. Pondering over all this, and
resolving that he would speak out his mind openly to Rachel on the
morrow, Luke Rowan reached his inn.

"There's a lady, sir, up-stairs, as wishes to speak to you," said the
waiter.

"A lady?"

"Quite elderly, sir," said the waiter, intending to put an