My appearance called forth more or less derisive shouts.

I was a nice young man to go and buy a village--from a native, too!--without the forethought to secure a title to the property! It was plain that they knew more about the matter than I did myself.

I felt ashamed, and must have looked dejected, I suppose, for they changed their tone for one more genial, crying: 'Cheer up, man! We've all been through it.
You know now what these devils really are.

They'll always do you, if they can.

It's no shame to you at your age.