They're an independent lot and believe in standing on their own feet.

For a time after I got Tarnside, they used a sensible, give-and-take attitude; it's only recently they've met with stupid, sullen suspicion." "Perhaps it was rather a mistake to give Bell the coal yards' lease." "The coal yards had nothing to do with it," Osborn declared.

"The trouble began earlier, and I've grounds for believing it began at Ashness.

If I was rich enough, I'd buy the Askews out.

They know I've no power over them and take advantage of the situation.