Chapter 31 - Page 2

and after that interview on the marshy common in front of Silas's cottage, he hated the Hamleys and Roger especially, with a very choice and particular hatred. 'That prig,' as hereafter he always designated Roger - 'he shall pay for it yet,' he said to himself by way of consolation, after the father and son had left him. 'What a lout it is!' - watching the receding figure. 'The old chap has twice as much spunk,' as the squire tugged at his bridle-reins. 'The old mare could make her way better without being led, my fine fellow. But I see through your dodge. You're afraid of your old father turning back and getting into another rage. Position indeed! a beggarly squire - a man who did turn off his men just before winter, to rot or starve, for all he cared - it's just like a brutal old Tory.' And, under the cover of sympathy with the dismissed labourers, Mr Preston indulged his own private pique very pleasantly.

Mr Preston had many causes for rejoicing: he might have forgotten this discomfiture, as he chose to feel it, in the remembrance of an increase of income, and in the popularity he enjoyed in his new abode. All Hollingford came forward to do the earl's new agent honour. Mr Sheepshanks had been a crabbed, crusty old bachelor, frequenting inn-parlours on market-days, not unwilling to give dinners to three or four chosen friends and familiars, with whom, in return, he dined from time to time, and with whom, also, he kept up an amicable rivalry in the matter of wines. But he 'did not appreciate female society,' as Miss Browning elegantly worded his unwillingness to accept the invitations of the Hollingford ladies. He was unrefined enough to speak of these invitations to his intimate friends aforesaid in the following manner, 'Those old women's worrying,' but, of course, they never heard of this. Little quarter-of-sheet notes, without any envelopes - that invention was unknown in those days - but sealed in the corners when folded up instead of gummed as they are fastened at present, occasionally passed between Mr Sheepshanks and the Miss Brownings, Mrs Goodenough or others. In the first instance, the form ran as follows: - 'Miss' Browning and her sister, Miss Phoebe Browning, present their respectful compliments to Mr Sheepshanks, and beg to inform him that a few friends have kindly consented to favour them with their company at tea on Thursday next. Miss Browning and Miss Phoebe will take it very kindly if Mr Sheepshanks will join their little circle.'

Now for Mrs Goodenough: -

'Mrs Goodenough's respects to Mr Sheepshanks, and hopes he is in good health. She would be very glad if he would favour her with his company to tea on Monday. My daughter, in Combermere, has sent me a couple of guinea fowls, and Mrs Goodenough hopes Mr Sheepshanks will stay and take a bit of supper.'

No need for the dates of the days of the month. The good ladies would have thought that the world was coming to an end if the