He rarely saw any company; and there were probably not many of the more recently imported inhabitants of the town who had ever been inside the elaborate iron gates by which the place was to be approached.

He had been a banker all his life, and was still reported to be the senior partner in Bolton's bank.

But the management of the concern had, in truth, been given up to his two elder sons.

His third son was a barrister in London, and a fourth was settled in Cambridge as a solicitor.

These men were all married, and were doing well in the world, living in houses better than their father's, and spending a great deal more money.