There was one thing which he did at once, and that was to buy the cottage which Mrs.
Burke occupied, from the heir, a non-resident.

Mrs.Burke didn't learn this until she went to pay her rent to the storekeeper, who had acted as agent for the owner.
"I have nothing to do with the house any longer, Mrs.Burke," he said.
"Then who shall I pay rent to ?" said Mrs.Burke.
"To Colonel Preston, who has recently bought the house." Mrs.Burke, therefore, called at the house of the colonel.
Mr.and Mrs.Preston were sitting together when the servant announced that she wished to speak to him.
"You seem to have a good deal of business with Mrs.Burke," said his wife, in a very unpleasant tone.
"None that I care to conceal," he said, smiling.

"Show Mrs.Burke in here, Jane," he continued, addressing the servant.
"Good-morning, Mrs.Burke," he said, pleasantly.
"Good-morning," said Mrs.Preston, coldly.
"Good-morning, sir, I'm glad to see you looking so much better." "Oh, yes, I am feeling pretty well now." "I didn't find out till just now, Colonel Preston, that you were my landlord." Here Mrs.Preston pricked up her ears, for it was news to her also, as her husband had not mentioned his recent purchase.
"Yes, I thought I would buy the house, as it was in the market." "I have come to pay my rent.

I have been in the habit of paying fifteen dollars a quarter." "I won't be a hard landlord," said Colonel Preston.

"You are welcome to live in the house, if it suits you, free of all rent." "This is too much kindness," said Mrs.Burke, quite overwhelmed by the unexpected liberality.
Mrs.Preston thought so, too, but could not well say anything.
"There's been kindness on both sides, Mrs.Burke.Put up your money, I don't want it, but I have no doubt you will find use for it.