"That's true, I suppose. But I've a more special reason than that. Leonard left me a legacy—that brings me here—but don't let's talk about that for a minute. Is it true that Bertram Ware talks about selling Oxley. Mr. Cartmell said something about it in one of his letters."
"He's understood to be open to a good offer, I fancy."
"Then we'll make him one."
"You're at work already!"
"A pretty place and a nice little estate—just between Fillingford Manor and Overington!" Was the inherited liking for "driving wedges" still in force? She had lost Fillingford Manor, but Oxley Lodge would make a useful wedge. "I wonder if there's any chance of that new man at Hingston selling! I don't want the house, but those farms round Hilton Heath would round us off nicely."
"Buy the county and the town! Isn't that what you want?"
"I don't want one single thing, Austin—for myself. But I have a little plan in my head. Well, I must do something with my life, mustn't I—and with all this money?"
"Build the Institute!"
"I really think I shall be able to manage that. Mr. Bindlecombe's my friend still?"
"He has plucked up courage—under the influence of Lady Aspenick."