“But I cannot understand why you should come here,” said Mr. Muller, to whom the idea of a man owning a fine house and choosing to live in a little hut like that seemed utterly absurd.
“When I was a young man,” said Mr. Berkeley, “I studied law, but soon tired of it. Lately, since I have determined to settle down to a quiet life, I have tried farming; but I do not think I succeed very well as a farmer. I lose more money than I make.”
Here Mr. Muller gently rubbed his hands together, as if the remark pleased him.
“I recently determined to take up law again,” said Mr. Berkeley, “and began to read at home; but there were so many things there to disturb me, and continually to distract my mind, that I found it impossible to study. I therefore decided to follow my young friend’s example, and betake myself to the woods. I found his house in good order, and soon made it quite habitable. Of course, I allowed no one to know where I had gone, as, otherwise, I would have been bothered almost as much as if I had stayed at home. I would like you to understand,” continued Mr. Berkeley, “that I have good reasons for wishing to study law,—especially a particular branch of it. There are large tracts of land in the West, which were acquired by grants and purchases by my grandfather, to which I know I have a legal right. It is to make myself able to investigate the title to these lands, and to prosecute my claims to them, that I wish to become master of the laws concerning such matters. I am not a rich man, and I have every desire to better my fortunes.”
“A very laudable desire, truly,” said Mr. Muller; “and I hope to be able to—— But no matter about that now. Don’t let me interrupt you, sir.”
“Of course I had no idea,” continued Mr. Berkeley, “that when I went away there would be any money troubles at Hyson Hall. Mr. Touron, who is a relative by marriage, has repeatedly assured me that I need give myself no concern about the payments on the mortgage that he holds, if at any time it should be inconvenient for me to make them. He never before even asked for his interest, and I intended in the fall, when I generally go to New York, to have a settlement with him, but I did not imagine he would make any trouble when I was absent.”
“Perhaps that is the very reason he tried to foreclose,” said Mr. Muller. “He probably thought you would never turn up again, and the chance was too good to lose.”
“That may be very true,” said Mr. Berkeley. “But tell me more about this young Touron. He is the son of the old man’s first wife, but I had almost forgotten his existence.”
Mr. Muller then proceeded to tell all he had heard about Emile, and related how, in addition to his more serious offences, he had gone to Hyson Hall and cut up all sorts of didos, such as hanging a lot of bells on the roof, threatening the housekeeper, and he knew not what else besides.
Mr. Berkeley stopped short in his walk.