my cousin came.'

'They tell me he's taking the land into his own hands,' said the
colonel.

'Yes, indeed; and he is going to build sheds, and buy cattle; and I
don't know what he doesn't mean to do; so that we shall be alive again.'

'I hope he won't want my shooting.'

'He has shooting of his own in Norfolk,' said Clara.

'Then he'll hardly care to come here for that purpose. When I heard of
his proceedings I began to be afraid.'

'I don't think he would do anything to annoy you for the world,' said
Clara, enthusiastically. 'He's the most unselfish person I ever met.'

'He'd have a perfect right to take the shooting if he liked it that is
always supposing that he and your father agreed about it.'

'They agree about everything now. He has altogether disarmed papa's
prejudices, and it seems to be recognized that he is to have his own
way about the place. But I don't think he'll interfere about the
shooting.'

'He won't, my dear, if you ask him not,' said Mrs Askerton.

'I'll ask him in a moment if Colonel Askerton wishes it.'