e thing slide, as they
say. He has quite made up his mind in your favour, because it is his
duty. Unless you do something to displease him very greatly, he will
make no further change. Do not trouble him more than you can help by
talking to him on things that are distasteful. Anything in regard to
me, coming from you, will be distasteful to him. You had better go
about among the farms, and see the tenants, and learn the condition
of everything. And then talk to him about that. Whatever you do,
never suggest that the money coming from it all is less than it ought
to be. That is my advice. And now, if you please, you and I need not
talk about it any more." Then she got up and left the room without
waiting for a reply.

When he was alone he resolved upon complying with her advice, at any
rate in one respect. He would not renew his offer of marriage; nor
would he hold any further special conversation with her. Of course,
she was hateful to him, having declared so plainly to him her own
opinion regarding himself. He had made the offer, and had thereby
done his duty. He had made the offer, and had escaped.

But he did not at all believe in the sincerity of her advice as to
their uncle. His heart was throbbing with the desire to secure the
inheritance to himself,--and so he thought, no doubt, was hers as to
herself. It might be that the old man's intention would depend upon
his obedience, and if so, it was certainly necessary that the old man
should know that he had been obedient. Of course, he would tell the
old man what he had done.

But he said not a word till Isabel had gone. He did take her advice
about the land and the tenants, but hardly to much effect. If there
were a falling roof here or a half-hung door there, he displayed his
zeal by telling the Squire of these defaults. But the Squire hated
to hear of such defaults. It must be acknowledged that it would have
required a man of very great parts to have given satisfaction in the
position in which this young man was placed.

But as soon as Isabel was gone he declared his obedience.

"I have asked her, sir, and she has refused me," he said in a
melancholy, low, and sententious voice.

"What did you expect?"

"At any rate, I did as you would have me."

"Was she to jump down your throat when you asked her?"

"She was very decided,--very. Of course, I spoke of your wishes."

"I have not any wishes."

"I thought that you desired it."

"So I did, but I have c