that he had lived with calm content and systematic economy on an income
which made him, as a bachelor, independent of his nominal profession, but
would not have sufficed, in itself, for the fitting maintenance of a wife
and family. He was, therefore, still single.

It seems to me even during the few minutes in which we conversed before
dinner was announced, that his character showed a new phase with his new
fortunes. He talked in a grandiose style of the duties of station and the
woes of wealth. He seemed to be very much afraid of spending, and still
more appalled at the idea of being cheated. His temper, too, was ruffled;
the steward had given him notice to quit. Mr. Jeeves, who had spent the
morning with him, had said the steward would be a great loss, and a
steward at once sharp and honest was not to be easily found.

What trifles can embitter the possession of great goods! Strahan had
taken a fancy to the old house; it was conformable to his notions, both
of comfort and pomp, and Sir Philip had expressed a desire that the old
house should be pulled down. Strahan had inspected the plans for the new
mansion to which Sir Philip had referred, and the plans did not please
him; on the contrary, they terrified.

"Jeeves says that I could not build such a house under L70,000 or L80,000,
and then it will require twice the establishment which will suffice for
this. I shall be ruined," cried the man who had just come into possession
of at least ten thousand a year.

"Sir Philip did not enjoin you to pull down the old house; he only advised
you to do so. Perhaps he thought the site less healthy than that which he
proposes for a new building, or was aware of some other drawback to the
house, which you may discover later. Wait a little and see before