t be. Was he anxious to get the estate for himself? Was
he put forward by somebody else? Quest, perhaps; or was it something
to do with Ida? The first alternative seemed the most probable to him.
But whatever the lender's object, the result to him was the same, it
gave him a respite. For Mr. de la Molle well knew that he had no more
chance of raising the money from an ordinary source, than he had of
altering the condition of agriculture.

"Hum," he said, "this is an important matter, a most important matter.
I presume, Mr. Cossey, that before making this definite offer you have
consulted a legal adviser."

"Oh yes, I have done all that and am quite satisfied with the security
--an advance of thirty thousand charged on all the Honham Castle
estates at four per cent. The question now is if you are prepared to
consent to the transfer. In that case all the old charges on the
property will be paid off, and Mr. Quest, who will act for me in the
matter, will prepare a single deed charging the estate for the round
total."

"Ah yes, the plan seems a satisfactory one, but of course in so
important a matter I should prefer to consult my legal adviser before
giving a final answer, indeed I think that it would be better if the
whole affair were carried out in a proper and formal way?"

"Surely, surely, Mr. de la Molle," said the younger man with some
irritation, for the old gentleman's somewhat magnificent manner rather
annoyed him, which under the circumstances was not unnatural. "Surely
you do not want to consult a legal adviser to make up your mind as to
whether or no you will allow a foreclosure. I offer you the money at
four per cent. Cannot you let me have an answer now, yes or no?"

"I don't like being hurried. I can't bear to be hurried," said the
Squire pettishly. "These important matters require consideration, a
great deal of consideration. Still," he added, observing signs of
increasing irritation upon Edward Cossey's face, and not having the
slightest intention of throwing away the opportunity, though he would
dearly have liked to prolong the negotiations for a week or two, if it
was only to enjoy the illusory satisfaction of dabbling with such a
large sum of money. "Still, as you are so pressing about it, I really,
speaking off hand, can see no objection to your taking up the
mortgages on the terms you mention."

"Very well, Mr. de la Molle. Now I have on my part one condition and
one only to attach to this offer