He had made up his mind about that long ago, not only from natural virtue, strong and dominant as that was, but also by dwelling on his high repute, and the solid foundations of character.
He scarcely knew anybody, when he came to think of it, capable of taking such a lofty course; but that simply confirmed him in his stern resolve to do what was right and expedient.
It was quite one o'clock before Jack o' the Smithies rang the bell to see about his lease.

He ought to have done it two hours sooner, if he meant to become a humble tenant; and the lawyer, although he had plenty to do of other people's business, looked upon this as a very bad sign.
Then he read his letter of instructions once more, and could not but admire the nice brevity of these, and the skillful style of hinting much and declaring very little.
For after giving full particulars about the farm, and the rent, and the covenants required, Mistress Yordas proceeded thus: "The new tenant is the son of a former occupant, who proved to be a remarkably honest man, in a case of strong temptation.

As happens too often with men of probity, he was misled and made bankrupt, and died about twelve years ago, I think.

Please to verify this by reference.
The late tenant was his nephew, and has never perceived the necessity of paying rent.

We have been obliged to distrain, as you know; and I wish John Smithies to buy in what he pleases.