Unfortunately, the estate was encumbered when he inherited it, and he had paid off one mortgage by raising another.

He might perhaps have used other means, letting his sporting rights and using economy, but this would have jarred.

The only Osborn who bothered about money was his wife, and Alice was parsimonious enough for both.

Money was certainly what his agent called tight; but as long as he could give his friends some shooting and a good dinner and live as an Osborn ought to live, he was satisfied.
Still, Gerald must have his chance at Woolwich and this needed thought.
Osborn felt he would like another drink, but glanced at his watch and saw that his visitors would arrive in a few minutes.
They were punctual and Osborn got up when his agent and another man came in.

Hayes was tall, urbane, and dressed with rather fastidious neatness; Bell was round-shouldered and shabby.