"Them was the days! It an't that long ago neither.

Squoire a'nt come o' fifty yet; no, nor an't nigh it, though he looks it.

Things be altered at Greemsbury"-- such was the rural pronunciation--"altered sadly, neebor Oaklerath.

Well, well; I'll soon be gone, I will, and so it an't no use talking; but arter paying one pound fifteen for them acres for more nor fifty year, I didn't think I'd ever be axed for forty shilling." Such was the style of conversation which went on at the various tables.

It had certainly been of a very different tone when the squire was born, when he came of age, and when, just two years subsequently, his son had been born.