“His father was an excellent man,”said Mrs.Gardiner.

“He is the best landlord,and the best master,”said she,“that ever lived; not like the wild young men nowadays, who think of nothing but themselves.There is not one of his tenants or servants but what will give him a good name. Some people call him proud;but I am sure I never saw anything of it.To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.”

“Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him―just as affable to the poor.”

“If your master would marry,you might see more of him.”

“Yes,sir;but I do not know when that will be.I do not know who is good enough for him.”

“He is certainly a good brother,”said Elizabeth,as she walked towards one of the windows.

“Perhaps we might be deceived.”