The squire himself presented them with specimens of a valuable breed of poultry he was bringing up at the Home Farm.

It was difficult to begin unpleasant business.
Meantime the solicitor gathered up the cheques, wished them good afternoon and departed.

Another rent day came round, and still no sign.

The squire's policy was, in fact, to ignore.

He ignored the depression altogether--could not see that it existed in that county at all.