Had the squire received the whole of his rents for his own private use he would have been well off as squires go.

But there was a flaw or hitch somewhere in the right, or title, or succession.

No one knew the precise circumstances, because, like so many similar family disputes, when the lawyers were ready, and the case had come before the tribunal, a compromise was arrived at, the terms of which were only known to the tribunal and the parties directly concerned.
But everybody knew that the squire had to pay heavy pensions to various members of another branch of the family; and it was imagined that he did not feel quite fixed in the tenure--that possibly the case might, under certain circumstances, be heard of again--since it was noticed that he did not plant trees, or make improvements, or in any way proceed to increase the permanent attractions of the estate.

It seemed as if he felt he was only lodging there.

He appeared to try and get all he could off the place--without absolute damage--and to invest or spend nothing.