His father's brother had a share in it--a share of which even the most inquisitive gossips of the place were ignorant.

The brother being the eldest (himself in business as a farmer at some distance) had the most money, and had advanced a certain sum to the younger to enable him to start his farm, more than a generation since.
From that day to this not one shilling of the principal had been repaid, and the interest only partially and at long intervals.

If the interest were all claimed it would now amount to nearly as much as the principal.
The brother--or, rather, the uncle--did not make himself at all unpleasant in the matter.

He only asked for about half the interest due to him, and at the same time gave the heir a severe caution not to continue the aforesaid riotous living.

The heir, now quite brought down to earth after his momentary exaltation, saw the absolute necessity of acquiescence.