Mr. Knox wished it also when he had read the letter. It expressed a very strong desire on the part of the Marquis that Mr. Price should keep the Cross Hall House, saying that it was proper that the house should go with the farm, and intimating the Marquis's wish that Mr. Price should remain as his neighbour. "If you can manage it, I'll make the farm pleasant and profitable to you," said the Marquis.
"He don't say a word about her ladyship," said Price; "but what he wants is just to get rid of 'em all, box and dice."
"That's about it, I suppose," said the agent.
"Then he's come to the wrong shop, that's what he has done, Mr. Knox. I've three more year of my lease of the farm, and after that, out I must go, I dare say."
"There's no knowing what may happen before that, Price."
"If I was to go, I don't know that I need quite starve, Mr. Knox."
"I don't suppose you will."
"I ain't no family, and I don't know as I'm just bound to go by what a lord says, though he is my landlord. I don't know as I don't think more of them ladies than I does of him. —— him, Mr. Knox."
And then Mr. Price used some very strong language indeed. "What right has he to think as I'm going to do his dirty work? You may tell him from me as he may do his own."
"You'll answer him, Price?"