Lys's time, the family at Mowbray Castle might as well have not existed,
as far as benefiting their miserable vicinage. It would be well perhaps
for other districts not less wretched, and for other families as high
and favoured as the Mowbrays, if there were a Mr St Lys on the spot
instead of a Mr Slimsey."

"I suppose that is meant for a cut," said Lord Marney; "but I wish the
people were as well off in every part of the country as they are on
my estate. They get here their eight shillings a week, always at least
seven, and every hand is at this moment in employ, except a parcel of
scoundrels who prefer woodstealing and poaching, and who would prefer
wood-stealing and poaching if you gave them double the wages. The rate
of wages is nothing: certainty is the thing; and every man at Marney may
be sure of his seven shillings a-week for at least nine months in the
year; and for the other three, they can go to the House, and a very
proper place for them; it is heated with hot air, and has every comfort.
Even Marney Abbey is not heated with hot air. I have often thought of
it; it makes me mad sometimes to think of those lazy, pampered menials
passing their lives with their backs to a great roaring fire; but I am
afraid of the flues."

"I wonder, talking of fires, that you are not more afraid of burning
ricks," said Egremont.

"It's an infernal lie," said Lord Marney, very violently.

"What is?" said Egremont.

"That there is any incendiarism in this neighbourhood."

"Why, there was a fire the day after I came."

"That had nothing to do with wages; it was an accident. I examined into
it myself; so did Grouse, so did Slimsey; I sent them about everywhere.
I told them I was sure the fire was purely accidental, and to go and see
about it; and they came back and agreed that it was purely accidental."

"I dare say they did," said Egremont; "but no one has discovered the
accident."

"For my part, I believe it was spontaneous combustion," said Lord
Marney.

"That is a satisfactory solution." said Egremont, "but for my part, the
fire being a fact, and it being painfully notorious that the people of
Marney--"

"Well, sir, the people of Marney"--said his lordship fiercely.

"Are without question the most miserable population in the county."

"Did Mr St Lys tell you that?" interrupted Lord Marney, white with rage.

"No, not Mr Lys, but one better acquainted with the neighbourhood."

"I'll know your informant's name," s