“May I ask how you became aware of the existence of this place, sir?” asked the Colonel.
“Maps and plans, sir. I have pretty well every property marked out all through the country; picturesque and geological features all set down. Quite a study, young gentleman. You have a nice place here Colonel Pendarve, but you must find it bleak, and I think I may venture to say this is an opportunity for parting with it most profitably.”
“I suppose so, sir,” said the Colonel, “for your clients would not be, I presume, particular about a few hundreds to obtain possession?”
“Well,” replied the lawyer, smiling, “without committing myself, I think I may say that your wishes within reason would be met, sir, upon pecuniary points.”
“Well that sounds satisfactory,” said the Colonel, “but I have grown attached to the place, and so has my son.”
“Oh, yes, father,” said Gwyn, eagerly. “I don’t want to go.”
“Plenty of more beautiful places to be had, my dear sir,” said the lawyer, “by the man who has money.”
“I have improved the house, too, a great deal lately.”
“So I should suppose, sir,” said the lawyer; “but we should consider all that in the purchase money.”
“And I have made my little garden one of the most productive in the county.”