PREFACE. xi 



really good land. The other two had nothing to say. 

 They knew, and I knew, they had done capitally out 

 of their land, and that it was worth more than they 

 pay for it. 



They begged earnestly I would not think the 

 worse of them for not paying. It was all fear they 

 said. To the whole of them I said, they could go 

 their own way, and I would go mine. They were all 

 civil beyond description, all inquiring affectionately 

 for one of my sons who was ill. 



When these went out no more would come in to 

 me. The great object of the rest was to keep out of 

 sight of the window of the room where I was, for fear 

 I should see them. They were dodging out of sight 

 round corners, and, in fact, I did not see half of them. 



I heard afterwards that before they separated 

 one or two schemers proposed all should lodge 

 Griffiths' valuation in the Bank in the names of two 

 or three. But they were much too cunning for that. 

 It would have suited the two or three too well. 

 Anything so sheepish as the whole affair I never 

 imagined. It was beyond laughable, except for the 

 miserable moral state it showed. I had many mess- 

 ages before the rent-day telling me to have no fear 

 of the rent ; it would be paid directly the law was 

 again in force. I stUl get such messages, and I hear 



