human
Parson! cried the squire, when all this news came upon him, as he was walking arm in arm with Mr. Dale to inspect some proposed improvement in the Almshouse,
gpt
As if I had not talked myself hoarse to both! said the parson, in a tone of reproachful surprise at the accusation.
human
But it was in vain! O Squire, if you had taken my advice about the stocks,--'quieta non movere'!
gpt
Bother! said the squire.
human
I suppose I am to be held up as a tyrant, a Nero, a Richard the Third, or a Grand Inquisitor, merely for having things smart and tidy! Stocks indeed! Your friend Rickeybockey said he was never more comfortable in his life,--quite enjoyed sitting there. And what did not hurt Rickeybockey's dignity (a very gentlemanlike man he is, when he pleases) ought to be no such great matter to Master Leonard Fairfield. But 't is no use talking! What's to be done now? The woman must not starve; and I'm sure she can't live out of Rickeybockey's wages to Lenny,--by the way, I hope he don't board the boy upon his and Jackeymo's leavings: I hear they dine upon newts and sticklebacks, faugh! I'll tell you what, Parson, now I think of it, at the back of the cottage which she has taken there are some fields of capital land just vacant. Rickeybockey wants to have 'em, and sounded me as to the rent when he was at the Hall. I only half promised him the refusal. And he must give up four or five acres of the best land round the cottage to the widow--just enough for her to manage--and she can keep a dairy. If she want capital, I'll lend her some in your name,--only don't tell Stirn; and as for the rent--we'll talk of that when we see how she gets on, thankless, obstinate jade that she is! You see, added the squire, as if he felt there was some apology due for this generosity to an object whom he professed to consider so ungrateful,
gpt
Still even this charitable message failed. The widow knew that the land was the squire's, and worth a good L3 an acre.
human
She thanked him humbly for that and all favours; but she could not afford to buy cows, and she did not wish to be beholden to any one for her living. And Lenny was well off at Mr. Rickeybockey's, and coming on wonderfully in the garden way, and she did not doubt she could get some washing; at all events, her haystack would bring in a good bit of money, and she should do nicely, thank their honours.