But he thought that the old squire would be better pleased if his
consent were asked in the first instance. The present day was Sunday,
and he would not speak on the subject till Monday. This day he would
devote to the work of securing his future father-in-law's good opinion;
to that and to his prayers.

And he had gained very much upon Mr Amedroz before the evening of the
day was over. He was a man before whom difficulties seemed to yield,
and who had his own way simply because he had become accustomed to ask
for it to ask for it and to work for it. He had so softened the
squire's tone of thought towards him, that the future stocking of the
land was spoken of between them with something like energy on both
sides; and Mr Amedroz had given his consent, without any difficulty, to
the building of a shed for winter stall-feeding. Clara sat by
listening, and perceived that Will Belton would soon be allowed to do
just what he pleased with the place. Her father talked as she had not
heard him talk since her poor brother's death, and was quite animated
on the subject of woodcraft. 'We don't know much about timber down
where I am,' said Will, 'just because we've got no trees.'

'I'll show you your way,' said the old man. 'I've managed the timber on
the estate myself for the last forty years.' Will Belton of course did
not say a word as to the gross mismanagement which had been apparent
even to him. What a cousin he was! Clara thought what a paragon among
cousins! And then he was so manifestly safe against love-making! So
safe, that he only cared to talk about timber, and oxen, and fences,
and winter-forage! But it was all just as it ought to be; and if her
father did not call him Will before long, she herself would set the way
by doing so first. A very paragon among cousins!