“What thing?” asked Mr. Ferrars.
“Feudalism,” said Job. “I should like to see this estate managed on the same principles as they do their great establishments in the north of England. Instead of feudalism, I would substitute the commercial principle. I would have long leases without covenants; no useless timber, and no game.”
“Why, you would destroy the country,” said Mr. Ferrars.
“We owe everything to the large towns,” said Job.
“The people in the large towns are miserable,” said Mr. Ferrars.
“They cannot be more miserable than the people in the country,” said Job.
“Their wretchedness is notorious,” said Mr. Ferrars. “Look at their riots.”
“Well, we had Swing in the country only two or three years ago.”
Mr. Ferrars looked sad. The reminiscence was too near and too fatal. After a pause he said with an air of decision, and as if imparting a state secret, “If it were not for the agricultural districts, the King’s army could not be recruited.”
“Well, that would not break my heart,” said Job.