The infliction did not improve his temper; for the next year or two he was constantly at warfare with one or other of his colleagues and friends, ill brooking that the familiar control of various local interests should fall out of his hands.

But before long he appeared to resign himself to his fate, and at present Wattleborough saw little of him.

It seemed likely that he might still found the park which was to bear his name; but perhaps it would only be done in consequence of directions in his will.

It was believed that he could not live much longer.
With his kinsfolk he held very little communication.

Alfred Yule, a battered man of letters, had visited Wattleborough only twice (including the present occasion) since John's return hither.