to take
his own advice. Already his ambition extended beyond the present limits
of his domain; already he contemplated the possibility of reclaiming
some of the outlying waste and enlarging his borders. If the Duchy might
spread greedy fingers and inclose "newtakes," why not the Venville
tenants? Many besides Will asked themselves that question; the position
was indeed fruitful of disputes in various districts, especially on
certain questions involving cattle; and no moorland Quarter breathed
forth greater discontent against the powers than that of which Chagford
was the central parish.

Sam Bonus, inspired by his master's sanguine survey of life, toiled
amain, believed all that Will predicted, and approved each enterprise he
planned; while as for Chris, in due time she settled at Newtake and
undertook woman's work there with her customary thoroughness and energy.
To her lot fell the poultry, the pair of fox-hound puppies that Will
undertook to keep for the neighbouring hunt, and all the interior
economy and control of the little household.

On Sundays Phoebe heard of the splendid doings at Newtake; upon which
she envied Chris her labours, and longed to be at Will's right hand. For
the present, however, Miller Lyddon refused his daughter permission even
to visit the farm; and she obeyed, despite her husband's indignant
protests.

Thus matters stood while the sun shone brightly from summer skies. Will,
when he visited Chagford market, talked to the grizzled farmers,
elaborated his experience, shook his head or nodded it knowingly as
they, in their turn, discussed the business of life, paid due respect to
their wisdom, and offered a little of his own in exchange for it. That
the older men lacked pluck was his secret conviction. The valley folk
were braver; but the upland agriculturists, all save himself, went in
fear. Their eyes were careworn, their caution extreme; behind the summer
they saw another shadow forever moving; and the annual struggle with
those ice-bound or water-logged months of the early year, while as yet
the Moor had nothing for their stock, left them wearied and spiritless
when the splendour of the summer came. They farmed furtively, snatching
at such good as appeared, distrusting their own husbandry, fattening the
land with reluctance, cowering under the shadow of withered hopes and
disappointments too numerous to count. Will pitied this mean spirit and,
unfamiliar with wet autumns and hard winters