When a man is the eldest son, and, so to say, the only one, he is apt to take liberties with his father's house.

I am so sorry that in my position I cannot do the honors and receive him properly.

He is a very estimable and modest young man, I believe ?" As Mr.Grey had not come down to Tretton either to be a spy on Mr.Jones or to answer questions concerning him, he held his tongue.

"Well, Mr.Grey, what do you think about it;--eh ?" This was a comprehensive question, but Mr.Grey well understood its purport.

What did he, Mr.Grey, think of the condition to which the affairs of Tretton had been brought, and those of Mr.Scarborough himself and of his two sons?
What did he think of Mountjoy, who had disappeared and was still absent?
What did he think of Augustus, who was not showing his gratitude in the best way for all that had been done for him?
And what did he think of the squire himself, who from his death-bed had so well contrived to have his own way in everything,--to do all manner of illegal things without paying any of the penalties to which illegality is generally subject?
And having asked the question he paused for an answer.
Mr.Grey had had no personal interview with the squire since the time at which it had been declared that Mountjoy was not the heir.