thought the simplest thing in the world, asking a gentleman, evidently
as good-natured as myself, to allow an old woman to let her premises to
a deserving young couple, and paying what she asks for it out of my own
money. And I find that I am running against a system, and invading all
the laws by which a rental is increased and an estate improved. Mr.
Travers, you have no cause for regret in not having beaten Tom Bowles.
You have beaten his victor, and I now give up all dream of further
interference with the Natural Laws that govern the village which I
have visited in vain. I had meant to remove Tom Bowles from that quiet
community. I shall now leave him to return to his former habits,--to
marry Jessie Wiles, which he certainly will do, and--"

"Hold!" cried Mr. Travers. "Do you mean to say that you can induce Tom
Bowles to leave the village?"

"I had induced him to do it, provided Jessie Wiles married the
basket-maker; but, as that is out of the question, I am bound to tell
him so, and he will stay."

"But if he left, what would become of his business? His mother could
not keep it on; his little place is a freehold; the only house in the
village that does not belong to me, or I should have ejected him long
ago. Would he sell the premises to me?"

"Not if he stays and marries Jessie Wiles. But if he goes with me to
Luscombe and settles in that town as a partner to his uncle, I suppose
he would be too glad to sell a house of which he can have no pleasant
recollections. But what then? You cannot violate your system for the
sake of a miserable forge."

"It would not violate my system if, instead of yielding to a sentiment,
I gained an advantage; and, to say truth, I should be very glad to buy
that forge and the fields that go with it."

"'Tis your affair now, not mine, Mr. Travers. I no longer presume to
interfere. I leave the neighbourhood to-morrow: see if you can negotiate
with Mr. Bowles. I have the honour to wish you a good evening."

"Nay, young gentleman, I cannot allow you to quit me thus. You have
declined apparently to join the dancers, but you will at least join the
supper. Come!"

"Thank you sincerely, no. I came here merely on the business which your
system has settled."

"But I am not sure that it is settled." Here Mr. Travers wound his arm
within Kenelm's, and looking him full in the face, said, "I know that
I am speaking to a gentleman at least equal in rank to myself, but as
I enjoy the melanch