The young squire's estate could not, of course, bear the heavy pecuniary strain which must arise; but before those who had the control of these things finally selected him they had ascertained that there would be no difficulty with respect to money.

Marthorne's old friend and mentor, the wealthy Vice-Chairman of the Petty Sessions, who had inducted him into the county business, announced that he should bear the larger part of the expense.

He was not a little proud of his _protege_.
The same old friend and mentor, wise with the knowledge and experience which long observation of men had given him, advised the young squire what to do when the depression first came upon agriculture.

The old man said, 'Meet it; very likely it will not last two years.

What is that in the life of an estate ?' So the young squire met it, and announced at once that he should return a percentage of his rents.