I have heard, it was then worth some ten thousand pounds a year to the parties interested.

Anthony Sterling, John, and another a cousin of theirs were ultimately to be heirs, in equal proportions.

The old gentleman, always kind to his kindred, and a brave and solid man though somewhat abrupt in his ways, had lately died; leaving a settlement to this effect, not without some intricacies, and almost caprices, in the conditions attached.
This property, which is still a valuable one, was Sterling's chief pecuniary outlook for the distant future.

Of course it well deserved taking care of; and if the eye of the master were upon it, of course too (according to the adage) the cattle would fatten better.

As the warm climate was favorable to pulmonary complaints, and Sterling's occupations were so shattered to pieces and his outlooks here so waste and vague, why should not he undertake this duty for himself and others?
It was fixed upon as the eligiblest course.