He had also an excellent house on the estate, and was altogether very much thought of; on the whole, perhaps, more than was Sir Thomas.

But in this respect it was probable that Herbert might soon take the lead.
He was a large, heavy, consequential man, always very busy, as though aware of being one of the most important wheels that kept the Irish clock agoing; but he was honest, kind-hearted in the main, true as steel to his employers, and good-humoured--as long as he was allowed to have his own way.

In these latter days he had been a little soured by Herbert's interference, and had even gone so far as to say that, "in his humble judgment, Mr.Fitzgerald was wrong in doing"-- so and so.

But he generally called him Herbert, was always kind to him, and in his heart of hearts loved him dearly.

But that was a matter of course, for had he not been agent to the estate before Herbert was born?
Immediately after his interview with his mother, Mr.Herbert rode over to Mr.Somers's house, and there found him sitting alone in his office.