He had come into this business against his will, but he took it up with a determination to do well in it.

The income was legally his until his niece came of age, but he was determined he would take nothing out of the estate beyond the necessary expenses of the position, and that all surplus should be expended in improving it in every way possible, so that he could hand it over to her in the most perfect condition.
Therefore, when he came into possession he made a close inspection of the farms, with their houses, barns, and other tenements.

Where he saw that the men were doing their best, that the hedges and fields were in good order, he did everything that was necessary without a word; but where there were slovenly farming and signs of neglect and carelessness, he spoke out his mind sharply.
"This has all got to be amended," he said.

"What must be done I will do, but unless I see things well kept up, the fences in good order, the hedges cut, the cattle in good condition, and everything going on as it ought to be, out you go next Christmas.

The estate at present is a disgrace to the county, but it shall not be so any longer if I can help it.