His father was free and easy with everybody, and had a pleasant word and shake of the hand for everyone he met; but the present squire was always shy and quiet as a boy; kind of reserved and stand-offish, if you know what I mean, sir.
When he came into the property, he became more reserved than ever, avoided all his father's old friends and shut himself up at the Hall and kept himself to himself.

He was a college gentleman and fond of books, and he spent all his time alone in his library like a--a hermit.
He went abroad for a time, to Italy, they thought, and he came back with a wife; but she didn't make things more lively, for she died soon after Miss Ida was born.

Miss Ida was the only child.

She was sent away for some time to be taken care of by one of the relatives, and she's only been back for a couple of years." "Poor girl," said Stafford, involuntarily.
"Well, yes, you may say that, sir," said the landlord, but doubtfully, "though it don't seem as if Miss Ida was in need of much pity; she is so bright and--and high-spirited, as you may say; though it's a wonder she can be so, seeing the life she leads, alone in that great place with her father, who never goes beyond the garden, and who shuts himself up with his books all day.

Yes, it's a wonder, when you come to think of it, that she can smile and laugh and be as cheerful as she is.
I often hear her singing when she's riding through the dale or along the road here.