The farms pay their way, and contribute a trifle towards the household expenses.

For the rest, it is taken out in liberty, out-of-door life, field sports, and unlimited horses.

His wife and daughter mix in the best society the county affords, besides their annual visits to town and the sea-side: they probably enjoy thrice the liberty and pleasure they would elsewhere.

Certainly they are in blooming health.
The eldest son is studying for the law, the younger has the commercial instinct more strongly developed, and is already with the 'firm.' Both of them get the full benefit of country life whenever they wish; both of them feel that there is plenty of capital behind them, and not the slightest jealousy exists on account of primogeniture.

Of course they have their troubles--what family has not its troubles ?--but on the whole their position is an enviable one.
When Mrs .-- -- and her daughter rustle into their pew at church--placed next in honour to that of the proprietor of the soil--all eyes are turned upon them.