The intention was to cause the squire a distraction.

It succeeded; for the old man needed lively prattle of a less childish sort than Janet Ilchester's at his elbow, and that young lady, though true enough in her fashion, was the ardent friend of none but flourishing heads; whereas Julia, finding my name under a cloud at Riversley, spoke of me, I was led to imagine by Captain Bulsted, as a ballad hero, a gloriful fellow, a darling whose deeds were all pardonable--a mere puff of smoke in the splendour of his nature.
'To hear the young lady allude to me in that style!' he confided to my ear, with an ineffable heave of his big chest.
Certain good influences, at any rate, preserved the squire from threatening to disinherit me.

Colonel Goodwin had spoken to him very manfully and wisely as to my relations with my father.

The squire, it was assumed by my aunt, and by Captain Bulsted and Julia, had undertaken to wink at my father's claims on my affection.

All three vehemently entreated me to make no mention of the present of Hock to him, and not to attempt to bring about an interview.