"How long have you lived in this cottage, Mrs. Manning?" asked the squire.
"Ten years, sir."
"You hire of Deacon Brooks?"
"Yes, sir."
"Ahem! I came here this morning to acquaint you with the fact that I have just bought the property."
"Has Deacon Brooks sold to you?" asked the widow, in surprise.
"Yes; the papers have passed, and the transfer has been made. I am now the legal owner."
"I shall be glad to keep the house, Squire Collins, if you have no other views," said Mrs. Manning. "I have been paying five dollars a month rent, and if that is satisfactory——"
"The fact is, Mrs. Manning," interrupted the squire, "I have other views. I intend to raise the house a story, and have promised to rent it, when completed, to my foreman, Mr. Lake, who contemplates marriage. He is boarding at present, as you know."
Mrs. Manning was very much disturbed. It is no light thing to be forced to leave a house which has been one's home for a period of ten years, especially in a country town where surplus houses are generally scarce and hard to find.