It was the first time any one in Maxfield had addressed him in this strain, and the sensation was so novel that he felt fairly taken aback.
"Really, dear young lady, I am delighted with any excuse that gives me the pleasure of a visit from--" "Mr Pottinger," said the young lady in a tone which made him open his eyes still wider, "will you tell me, yes or no, if what Hodder tells me is true ?" "That depends on what Hodder says," replied the lawyer, trying to look cheerful.
"He says he has had notice to leave his farm next week.

Is that true ?" "That entirely depends on himself, if I _must_ suffer cross-examination from so charming a counsel." "You mean--" "I mean, my pretty young lady, that if he chooses to pay the new rent he is entitled to stay." "You have raised his rent ?--a poor old man of seventy-five ?" "I have no power to do that.

But I understand he has had the land for next to nothing.

It is worth more now." "Mr Pottinger," said Miss Rosalind, "let me tell you that if you have any hand in this wicked business you are a bad man, whatever you profess to be.

I shouldn't sleep to-night if I failed to tell you that.