People in the village talked of him, and envied him so good a berth.

He had a gentleman's house to live in, and to all appearance lived as a gentleman.

This tranquil retirement, free from care or labour, was a rich reward for the faithful service of his youth.

And it was known by the better informed among the Grasmere people that Mr.Steadman was saving money, and had shares in the North-Western Railway.

These facts had oozed out, of themselves, as it were.