I supposed that "the family" must have been at home when I was at Oakford, or Mr.and Mrs.
Buckle would surely have taken me to see the Grange.
The Rector suggested that the family might be at home now, and we might have our expedition for nothing; but it appeared that old Giles' sister's grandson had been over to see his great-uncle only a fortnight ago, "come Tuesday," and had distinctly stated that the family "was in furrin' parts," and would be so for months to come.
Moreover, he had said that there was a rumour that the place was to be sold, and nobody knew if the next owner would allow it to be "shown," even in his absence.

Thus it was evident that if we wanted to see the Grange, it must be "now or never." On hearing this, our fattest and richest farmer (he took an upper class in school more in deference to his position than to the rather scanty education which accompanied it) rose and addressed the Rector as follows:-- "Reverend sir.

I takes the liberty of rising and addressin' of you, with my respex to yourself and Mr.Clerke, and the young gentleman as represents the Squire I've a-been tenant to, man and boy, this thirty year and am proud to name it." (Murmurs of applause from one or two other farmers present, my father being very popular.) "Reverend sir.

I began with bird-scaring, and not a penny in my pocket, that wouldn't have held coppers for holes, if I had, and clothes that would have scared of themselves, letting alone clappers.
The Squire knows how much of his land I have under my hand now, and your reverence is acquainted with the years I've been churchwarden.
"Reverend Sir.

I am proud to have rose by my own exertions.