The general lack of confidence pressed heavily upon a man who did not even attempt to take his natural place among his fellow-men.

The loan from the bank had gradually grown from five to seven or eight hundred by thirties, and forties, and fifties added to it by degrees; and the bank--informed, perhaps, by the same busybodies who had discovered that he drank--declined further assistance, and notified that part, at least, of the principal must be repaid.

The landlord had long been well aware of the state of affairs, but refrained from action out of a feeling for the old family.
But the land, from the farmer's utter lack of capital, was now going from bad to worse.

The bank having declined to advance further, the rent began to fall into arrear.

The landlord caused it to be conveyed to his tenant that if he would quit the farm, which was a large one, he could go into a smaller, and his affairs might perhaps be arranged.
The old man--for he was now growing old--put his hands behind his back and said nothing, but went on with his usual routine of work.