Nothing has been done for over sixty years, and I can hardly say how long before." "Won't it all cost a great deal of money ?" said Lady Mary.
"A good deal; but there is a very large sum of money lying idle, which, as the will directs, may be applied to the general improvement of the house and estate during Peter's minority; but over which he is to have no control, should it remain unspent, until he comes of age.
That is to say, it will then--or what is left of it--be invested with the rest of his capital, which is all strictly tied up.

So, as old Crawley says, it will relieve Peter's income in the future, if we spend what is necessary now, according to our powers, in putting his house and estate in order.

It would have to be done sooner or later, most assuredly.

Sir Timothy, as you must know," said John, gently, "did not spend above a third of his actual income; and, so far as Mr.
Crawley knows, spent nothing at all on repairs, beyond jobs to the village carpenter and mason." "I did not know," said Lady Mary.

"He always told me we were very badly off--for our position.