It is not to be expected that we landowners can know much about trade, but my uncle covers--or alas! I must say "covered"-- a lot of ground, I can tell you.
Uncle Roger was a very grim sort of man, and only that I was brought up to try and be kind to him I shouldn't ever have dared to speak to him.
But when was a child father and mother--especially mother--forced me to go and see him and be affectionate to him.

He wasn't ever even civil to me, that I can remember--grumpy old bear! But, then, he never saw Rupert at all, so that I take it Master R--- is out of the running altogether for testamentary honours.

The last time I saw him myself he was distinctly rude.

He treated me as a boy, though I was getting on for eighteen years of age.

I came into his office without knocking; and without looking up from his desk, where he was writing, he said: "Get out! Why do you venture to disturb me when I'm busy?
Get out, and be damned to you!" I waited where I was, ready to transfix him with my eye when he should look up, for I cannot forget that when my father dies I shall be Head of my House.