In bad years for wool, or beasts, or crops, the farmers received a graduated remission of rent.

The pottery-works were run on a liberal if autocratic basis.

It was true that though Lord Valleys was said to be a staunch supporter of a 'back to the land' policy, no disposition was shown to encourage people to settle on these particular lands, no doubt from a feeling that such settlers would not do them so much justice as their present owner.

Indeed so firmly did this conviction seemingly obtain, that Lord Valleys' agent was not unfrequently observed to be buying a little bit more.
But, since in this life one notices only what interests him, all this gossip, half complimentary, half not, had fallen but lightly on the ears of the champion of Peace during his campaign, for he was, as has, been said, but a poor politician, and rode his own horse very much his own way.
While he stood there enjoying the view, he heard a small high voice, and became conscious of a little girl in a very shady hat so far back on her brown hair that it did not shade her; and of a small hand put out in front.

He took the hand, and answered: "Thank you, I am well--and you ?" perceiving the while that a pair of wide frank eyes were examining his leg.
"Does it hurt ?" "Not to speak of." "My pony's leg was blistered.