of the
Newtons. For when the settlement was made on the marriage of the
younger brother, the elder was already the father of a child, whom
he loved none the less because that child's mother had not become
his wife. So the quarrel had been fostered, and at the time of the
parson's death had extended itself to the young man who was his son,
and the heir to the estate. When on his death-bed, the parson had
asked Mr. Underwood, who had just then entered the House of Commons,
to undertake this guardianship; and the lawyer, with many doubts,
had consented. He had striven, but striven in vain, to reconcile the
uncle and nephew. And, indeed, he was ill-fitted to accomplish such
task. He could only write letters on the subject, which were very
sensible but very cold;--in all of which he would be careful to
explain that the steps which had been taken in regard to the property
were in strict conformity with the law. The old Squire would have
nothing to do with his heir,--in which resolution he was strengthened
by the tidings which reached him of his heir's manner of living. He
was taught to believe that everything was going to the dogs with
the young man, and was wont to say that Newton Priory, with all its
acres, would be found to have gone to the dogs too when his day was
done;--unless, indeed, Ralph should fortunately kill himself by drink
or evil living, in which case the property would go to the younger
Gregory, the present parson. Now the present parson of Newton was his
uncle's friend. Whether that friendship would have been continued had
Ralph died and the young clergyman become the heir, may be matter of
doubt.

This disagreeable duty of guardianship Sir Thomas had performed with
many scruples of conscience, and a determination to do his best;--and
he had nearly done it well. But he was a man who could not do it
altogether well, let his scruples of conscience be what they might.
He had failed in obtaining a father's control over the young man;
and even in regard to the property which had passed through his
hands,--though he had been careful with it,--he had not been adroit.
Even at this moment things had not been settled which should have
been settled; and Sir Thomas had felt, when Ralph had spoken of
selling all that remained to him and of paying his debts, that there
would be fresh trouble, and that he might be forced to own that he
had been himself deficient.

And then he told himself,--and did so as soon as Ralph