now, someone who would see that the greater portion of the wages
was not spent at the alehouse, who would take an interest in
the people, and would lend a helping hand in bad times. There was
a feeling of regret that the Squire was a widower, but the post
of visitor and almoner was well supplied by the lady who acted as
companion and governess to the Squire's little ward and regulated
the affairs of his household.

John Thorndyke had never had much occasion for the display of energy
before, but he had an abundance of it, although hitherto latent.
He had come into this business against his will, but he took it up
with a determination to do well in it. The income was legally his
until his niece came of age, but he was determined he would take
nothing out of the estate beyond the necessary expenses of the
position, and that all surplus should be expended in improving it
in every way possible, so that he could hand it over to her in the
most perfect condition. Therefore, when he came into possession
he made a close inspection of the farms, with their houses, barns,
and other tenements. Where he saw that the men were doing their best,
that the hedges and fields were in good order, he did everything
that was necessary without a word; but where there were slovenly
farming and signs of neglect and carelessness, he spoke out his
mind sharply.

"This has all got to be amended," he said. "What must be done I
will do, but unless I see things well kept up, the fences in good
order, the hedges cut, the cattle in good condition, and everything
going on as it ought to be, out you go next Christmas. The estate
at present is a disgrace to the county, but it shall not be so any
longer if I can help it. I shall do my share, and anyone who is not