The increase arose in part from the diminished expenses, for it has been found that a tumble-down place is more costly to maintain than one in good repair.

The tenants at first were rather alarmed, fearing lest the change should end in a general rise of rents.

It did not.

The squire only asked an increase when he had admittedly raised the value of the land, and then only to a moderate amount.

By degrees he acquired a reputation as the most just of landlords.