The stubborn patience and self-control with which he had faced the loss of his wheat crops and frozen stock stood him in good stead now.

He fancied the lawyer seemed a trifle astonished at his appearance, and sat down wondering whether he had previously spoken to Courthorne, until the question was answered for him.
"Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting you before, I have acted as Colonel Barrington's legal adviser ever since he settled at Silverdale, and am, therefore, well posted as to his affairs, which are, of course, connected with those of your own family," said the lawyer.

"We can accordingly talk with greater freedom, and I hope without the acerbity which in your recent communications somewhat annoyed the Colonel." "Well," said Winston, who had never heard of Colonel Barrington, "I am ready to listen." The lawyer drummed on the table.

"It might be best to come to the point at once," he said.

"Colonel Barrington does not deem it convenient that you should settle at Silverdale, and would be prepared to offer you a reasonable sum to relinquish your claim." "My claim ?" said Winston, who remembered having heard of the Silverdale Colony which lay several hundred miles away.
"Of course," said the lawyer.