[The Absentee by Maria Edgeworth]@TWC D-Link bookThe Absentee CHAPTER XI 3/15
And I can't think the agent, though they that know him best call him old Nick, would be so wicked to take from us that which he never gave us.
The good lord himself granted us the LASE; the life's dropped, and the years is out; but we had a promise of renewal in writing from the landlord.
God bless him! if he was not away, he'd be a good gentleman, and we'd be happy and safe.' 'But if you have a promise in writing of a renewal, surely you are safe, whether your landlord is absent or present ?' 'Ah, no I that makes a great DIFFER, when there's no eye or hand over the agent.
I would not wish to speak or think ill of him or any man; but was he an angel, he could not know to do the tenantry justice, the way he is living always in Dublin, and coming down to the country only the receiving days, to make a sweep among us, and gather up the rents in a hurry, and he in such haste back to town--can just stay to count over our money, and give the receipts.
Happy for us, if we get that same!--but can't expect he should have time to see or hear us, or mind our improvements, any more than listen to our complaints! Oh, there's great excuse for the gentleman, if that was any comfort for us,' added she, smiling. 'But, if he does not live amongst you himself, has not he some under-agent, who lives in the country ?' said Lord Colambre. 'He has so.' 'And he should know your concerns: does he mind them ?' 'He should know--he should know better; but as to minding our concerns, your honour knows,' continued she, smiling again, 'every one in this world must mind their own concerns; and it would be a good world, if it was even so.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|