The stern old man bade his visitor sit down, and then explained to him at full length that which it was proposed to do.

So much money the Squire had himself put by; so much more Mr.Bolton himself would advance; the value had been properly computed; and, should the arrangement be completed, he, John Caldigate, would sell his inheritance at its proper price.

Over and over again the young man endeavoured to interrupt the speaker, but was told to postpone his words till the other should have done.

Such interruptions came from the too evident fact that Mr.Bolton thoroughly despised his guest.

Caldigate, though he had been very foolish, though he had loved to slaughter rats and rabbits, and to romp with the girls at Babington, was by no means a fool.